Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in South Portland?

To afford a 2-bedroom in South Portland, you need to earn at least $77,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $82,489, which means the typical resident is $5,049 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 26,656

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,355	$4,517	$54,200	$-28,289
1 Bedroom	$1,607	$5,357	$64,280	$-18,209
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,936	$6,453	$77,440	$-5,049
3 Bedroom	$2,362	$7,873	$94,480	+$11,991
4 Bedroom	$2,904	$9,680	$116,160	+$33,671

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above South Portland's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$82,489

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$77,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,049

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 28.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in South Portland

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with South Portland's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,062

Studio

$1,355/mo

1 BR

$1,607/mo

2 BR

$1,936/mo

3 BR

$2,362/mo

4 BR

$2,904/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in South Portland.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for South Portland's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to South Portland

Renting in South Portland, Maine is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $77,440/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $82,489, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,607/month) or studio ($1,355/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in South Portland pushes the required income to $94,480.

For comfortable living in South Portland without financial stress, target a household income of at least $116,160 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Maine's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in South Portland, Maine.

With a total population of 26,656, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 16,115 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $77,440 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

16,115

Active civilian employees in South Portland

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in South Portland

What salary do I need to live in South Portland, Maine?

To afford a 2-bedroom in South Portland under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $77,440. The median household income in South Portland is $82,489.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in South Portland on $82,489?

The affordability verdict for South Portland is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 28.2%, meaning median earners have a $5,049 surplus.

What is the average rent in South Portland compared to median income?

The median gross rent in South Portland is $1,607/month. With a median household income of $82,489, residents spend approximately 28.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in South Portland?

A studio in South Portland rents for approximately $1,355/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $54,200 to afford this.

Is South Portland considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,049 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", South Portland is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $77,440 to the local median household income.

How South Portland Compares

Other cities in Maine with salary requirements