salarySouth Portland is the 4th-largest city in Maine that we track, with 26,930 residents. Rent here is among the highest 10% in the country. A typical house costs about 4.7 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 17.1 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $114,720 a year. That is $55 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Maine cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Maine. It is number 34 of 34 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in South Portland?
Share of households by yearly income. 30.4% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in South Portland
| Size | South Portland | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,490 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,303 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,333 | $1,698 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is South Portland overall?
Everyday prices in the Portland-South Portland metro area are 2% above the U.S. average (index 101.9, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in South Portland
Life in South Portland
What jobs pay in South Portland
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $140,620 | 24.5% |
| Physician Assistant | $131,180 | 26.2% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,240 | 26.4% |
| Lawyer | $129,990 | 26.5% |
| Software Developer | $128,710 | 26.7% |
| Operations Manager | $105,390 | 32.7% |
| Civil Engineer | $102,240 | 33.7% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $101,470 | 33.9% |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,880 | 34.8% |
| Registered Nurse | $88,470 | 38.9% |
| Accountant | $79,790 | 43.1% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $76,770 | 44.8% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $75,950 | 45.3% |
| Police Officer | $73,600 | 46.8% |
| Market Research Analyst | $73,420 | 46.9% |
| Electrician | $71,660 | 48.0% |
| Plumber | $64,500 | 53.4% |
| Carpenter | $64,300 | 53.5% |
| HVAC Technician | $64,090 | 53.7% |
| Truck Driver | $59,900 | 57.5% |
| Firefighter | $49,320 | 69.8% |
| Medical Assistant | $48,540 | 70.9% |
| Nursing Assistant | $48,180 | 71.4% |
| Customer Service Representative | $47,910 | 71.8% |
| Restaurant Cook | $46,560 | 73.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $45,350 | 75.9% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $44,070 | 78.1% |
| Retail Salesperson | $37,320 | 92.2% |
| Cashier | $36,210 | 95.0% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in South Portland?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $193 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $441,200 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $44,120 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in South Portland, ME?
Renting in South Portland costs a median of about $2,868 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Maine median is $1,452.
How much do I need to make to live in South Portland?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $114,720 a year, or $55 an hour at a full-time job.
Is South Portland cheap or expensive?
South Portland is rated Expensive: rent takes 36.7% of the typical household income of $93,655. It ranks 34th cheapest of 34 Maine cities we track.
How much are property taxes in South Portland?
The median homeowner in South Portland pays $4,359 a year in property taxes, about 0.99% of the median home value.
Is South Portland more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 2% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in South Portland?
The median home value in South Portland is $441,200, about 4.7 times the typical yearly household income.
26,930 people live in South Portland. Numbers are typical (middle) values.