Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Portland, ME
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Portland are East Bayside-India Street, Parkside, and West Portland. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Portland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 13, 2025, the average rent in Portland is $1,860, which is 3.4% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
East Bayside-India Street
Average Rent
$2,069/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.4%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, East Bayside-India Street might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,069, while the city’s average stands at $1,860. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.4%. East Bayside-India Street is near Hannaford Plaza, Southern Maine Comm. Coll., and Portland International Jetport.
Parkside
Average Rent
$2,092/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Parkside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Parkside is $2,092 while the city average is $1,860. This is a 1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Southern Maine Comm. Coll., and Portland International Jetport. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
West Portland
Average Rent
$2,186/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.3%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
49 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out West Portland. The average rent is $2,186, compared to the city average of $1,860. Rent prices have increased by 4.3%. West Portland is convenient to Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Pine Tree Shopping Center, and Southern Maine Comm. Coll.. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 62.
West End
Average Rent
$2,206/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
34 Rentals
West End is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,206. Compare this to the city average of $1,860. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.8%. West End provides easy access to University of New England, Southworth Planetarium, and Century Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.
West Bayside
Average Rent
$2,331/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
54 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, West Bayside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,331, while the city’s average stands at $1,860. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.7%. West Bayside is near Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and Hannaford Plaza.
Downtown Portland
Average Rent
$2,363/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
124 Rentals
Downtown Portland is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Portland is $2,363 while the city average is $1,860. This is a 2.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, Portland Observatory, and Southworth Planetarium. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
City Center
Average Rent
$2,375/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
57 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out City Center. The average rent is $2,375, compared to the city average of $1,860. Rent prices have increased by 1.9%. City Center is convenient to Portland International Jetport, Congress Plaza, and Southworth Planetarium. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Arts District
Average Rent
$2,511/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
73 Rentals
Arts District is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,511. Compare this to the city average of $1,860. Arts District provides easy access to Portland Observatory, Portland International Jetport, and Southern Maine Comm. Coll.. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 99.
Old Port District
Average Rent
$2,676/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, Old Port District might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,676, while the city’s average stands at $1,860. Old Port District is near University of New England, Portland Observatory, and Portland International Jetport.
Old Port
Average Rent
$2,696/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
Old Port is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Old Port is $2,696 while the city average is $1,860. This is a -1.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham, East End Beach and Eastern Prom Trail, and Congress Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Ready to make your move to Portland? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.