Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Portland, ME
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Portland are East Bayside-India Street, West End, and Parkside. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Portland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 28, 2026, the average rent in Portland is $1,854, which is 0% 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
$2,037/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.2%
Units Available
10 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 $2,037 while the city average is $1,854. This is a 7.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Southern Maine Comm. Coll., Congress Plaza, and Century Plaza.
West End
Average Rent
$2,119/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
Units Available
24 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out West End. The average rent is $2,119, compared to the city average of $1,854. Rent prices have increased by 1.6%. West End is convenient to Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland International Jetport, and Union Station Plaza.
Parkside
Average Rent
$2,163/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
Units Available
22 Rentals
Parkside is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,163. Compare this to the city average of $1,854. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Parkside provides easy access to Portland International Jetport, Portland Observatory, and University of New England.
City Center
Average Rent
$2,486/Month
Units Available
66 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 $2,486, while the city’s average stands at $1,854. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0%. City Center is near Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, and Hannaford Plaza.
Downtown Portland
Average Rent
$2,505/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
100 Rentals
Downtown Portland is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Portland is $2,505 while the city average is $1,854. This is a -0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Portland International Jetport, Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham, and Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad.
West Bayside
Average Rent
$2,525/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.3%
Units Available
36 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out West Bayside. The average rent is $2,525, compared to the city average of $1,854. Rent prices have decreased by 3.3%. West Bayside is convenient to 449 Forest Ave Plaza, Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham, and Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.
Old Port
Average Rent
$2,819/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
Units Available
35 Rentals
Old Port is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,819. Compare this to the city average of $1,854. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.9%. Old Port provides easy access to Congress Plaza, Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, and Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad.
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.