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
East Bayside-India Street is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in East Bayside-India Street is $2,069 while the city average is $1,860. This is a 4.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to East End Beach and Eastern Prom Trail, Portland Observatory, and Hannaford Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
Parkside
Average Rent
$2,092/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out Parkside. The average rent is $2,092, compared to the city average of $1,860. Rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Parkside is convenient to Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and Univ. Southern Maine,Portland. The community is 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
West Portland is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,186. Compare this to the city average of $1,860. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.3%. West Portland provides easy access to St. Joseph's College of Maine, Pine Tree Shopping Center, and Univ. Southern Maine,Portland. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood 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
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, West End might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,206, while the city’s average stands at $1,860. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.8%. West End is near Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland International Jetport, and Southworth Planetarium.
West Bayside
Average Rent
$2,331/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
54 Rentals
West Bayside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Bayside is $2,331 while the city average is $1,860. This is a 4.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, and Portland Observatory. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 94.
Downtown Portland
Average Rent
$2,363/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
124 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Portland. The average rent is $2,363, compared to the city average of $1,860. Rent prices have increased by 2.8%. Downtown Portland is convenient to Southern Maine Comm. Coll., Portland International Jetport, and University of New England. The community is 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
City Center is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,375. Compare this to the city average of $1,860. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.9%. City Center provides easy access to Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, Portland Observatory, and Century Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 98.
Arts District
Average Rent
$2,511/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
73 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, Arts District might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,511, while the city’s average stands at $1,860. Arts District is near University of New England, Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, and Hannaford Plaza.
Old Port District
Average Rent
$2,676/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
Old Port District is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Old Port District is $2,676 while the city average is $1,860. Residents enjoy convenient access to Gulf of Maine Research Institute, East End Beach and Eastern Prom Trail, and Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Old Port
Average Rent
$2,696/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out Old Port. The average rent is $2,696, compared to the city average of $1,860. Rent prices have decreased by 1.9%. Old Port is convenient to Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, University of New England, and Univ. Southern Maine,Portland. The community is 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.