Most 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 October 29, 2025, the average rent in Portland is $1,851, which is 2.5% 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
$2,025/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.7%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out East Bayside-India Street. The average rent is $2,025, compared to the city average of $1,851. Rent prices have increased by 5.7%. East Bayside-India Street is convenient to Congress Plaza, St. Joseph's College of Maine, and Portland Observatory. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
Parkside
Average Rent
$2,182/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Parkside is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,182. Compare this to the city average of $1,851. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Parkside provides easy access to Hannaford Plaza, Portland Observatory, and University of New England. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 93.
West Portland
Average Rent
$2,209/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
43/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, West Portland might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,209, while the city’s average stands at $1,851. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.2%. West Portland is near Southworth Planetarium, Brighton Avenue Plaza, and Portland Observatory.
West Bayside
Average Rent
$2,245/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.3%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
52 Rentals
West Bayside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Bayside is $2,245 while the city average is $1,851. This is a 5.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Portland Observatory, Southworth Planetarium, and 449 Forest Ave Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 94.
West End
Average Rent
$2,303/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
27 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out West End. The average rent is $2,303, compared to the city average of $1,851. Rent prices have increased by 1.3%. West End is convenient to Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, and Century Plaza. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.
Downtown Portland
Average Rent
$2,354/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
109 Rentals
Downtown Portland is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,354. Compare this to the city average of $1,851. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.7%. Downtown Portland provides easy access to Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland Observatory, and Century Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 95.
City Center
Average Rent
$2,464/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
42 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, City Center might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,464, while the city’s average stands at $1,851. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.5%. City Center is near Gulf of Maine Research Institute, University of New England, and Southworth Planetarium.
Arts District
Average Rent
$2,559/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
58 Rentals
Arts District is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Arts District is $2,559 while the city average is $1,851. Residents enjoy convenient access to Century Plaza, Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham, and Hannaford Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Old Port District
Average Rent
$2,649/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out Old Port District. The average rent is $2,649, compared to the city average of $1,851. Old Port District is convenient to Portland International Jetport, East End Beach and Eastern Prom Trail, and Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Government District
Average Rent
$2,699/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
Government District is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,699. Compare this to the city average of $1,851. Government District provides easy access to Century Plaza, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Southern Maine Comm. Coll.. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 100.
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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.