Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Portland, ME
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Portland are North Deering, East Bayside-India Street, and Parkside. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Portland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 28, 2026, the average rent in Portland is $1,853, which is 1.9% 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.
North Deering
Average Rent
$1,829/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
10%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out North Deering. The average rent is $1,829, compared to the city average of $1,853. Rent prices have increased by 10%. North Deering is convenient to Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, Southworth Planetarium, and St. Joseph's College of Maine. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 60.
East Bayside-India Street
Average Rent
$2,060/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
East Bayside-India Street is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,060. Compare this to the city average of $1,853. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.2%. East Bayside-India Street provides easy access to East End Beach and Eastern Prom Trail, Southern Maine Comm. Coll., and Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 96.
Parkside
Average Rent
$2,154/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, Parkside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,154, while the city’s average stands at $1,853. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.2%. Parkside is near Hannaford Plaza, Century Plaza, and Portland Observatory.
West Portland
Average Rent
$2,215/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
54 Rentals
West Portland is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Portland is $2,215 while the city average is $1,853. This is a -0.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Westgate Shopping Center, Portland International Jetport, and Southern Maine Comm. Coll.. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 62.
West End
Average Rent
$2,262/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
40 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out West End. The average rent is $2,262, compared to the city average of $1,853. Rent prices have increased by 3.1%. West End is convenient to Portland International Jetport, University of New England, and Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.
Downtown Portland
Average Rent
$2,390/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
117 Rentals
Downtown Portland is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,390. Compare this to the city average of $1,853. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.7%. Downtown Portland provides easy access to University of New England, Portland Observatory, and Southworth Planetarium. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 95.
City Center
Average Rent
$2,401/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
54 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 $2,401, while the city’s average stands at $1,853. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.7%. City Center is near Southworth Planetarium, Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham, and Univ. Southern Maine,Portland.
West Bayside
Average Rent
$2,443/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.5%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
45 Rentals
West Bayside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Bayside is $2,443 while the city average is $1,853. This is a 3.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 449 Forest Ave Plaza, Portland Observatory, and Gulf of Maine Research Institute. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 94.
Arts District
Average Rent
$2,550/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
68 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out Arts District. The average rent is $2,550, compared to the city average of $1,853. Arts District is convenient to Century Plaza, University of New England, and Gulf of Maine Research Institute. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Old Port
Average Rent
$2,607/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
Old Port is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,607. Compare this to the city average of $1,853. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.9%. Old Port provides easy access to Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and Portland Observatory. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 99.
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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.