Cheapest Neighborhoods in Portland, ME

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Portland are Parkside, West Bayside, and West End. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Portland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of July 28, 2026, the average rent in Portland is $1,880, which is 2.4% 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.

Parkside

Average Rent

$2,307/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

Units Available

13 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 $2,307, while the city’s average stands at $1,880. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.4%. Parkside is near Little Diamond Island, Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham, and Hannaford Plaza.

West Bayside

Average Rent

$2,453/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.7%

Units Available

29 Rentals

West Bayside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Bayside is $2,453 while the city average is $1,880. This is a 2.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, Century Plaza, and Southworth Planetarium.

West End

Average Rent

$2,456/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.7%

Units Available

22 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out West End. The average rent is $2,456, compared to the city average of $1,880. Rent prices have increased by 1.7%. West End is convenient to Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham, Southern Maine Comm. Coll., and Great Diamond Island.

Downtown Portland

Average Rent

$2,504/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.8%

Units Available

64 Rentals

Downtown Portland is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,504. Compare this to the city average of $1,880. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.8%. Downtown Portland provides easy access to Portland International Jetport, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Great Diamond Island.

City Center

Average Rent

$2,528/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

Units Available

36 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 $2,528, while the city’s average stands at $1,880. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.2%. City Center is near Century Plaza, Diamond Cove, and Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Arts District

Average Rent

$2,622/Month

Units Available

60 Rentals

Arts District is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Arts District is $2,622 while the city average is $1,880.

Old Port

Average Rent

$2,738/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.9%

Units Available

20 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out Old Port. The average rent is $2,738, compared to the city average of $1,880. Rent prices have decreased by 1.9%. Old Port is convenient to Portland Observatory, 283 Marginal Way, and East End Beach and Eastern Prom Trail.

Government District

Average Rent

$2,738/Month

Units Available

20 Rentals

Government District is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,738. Compare this to the city average of $1,880.

Old Port District

Average Rent

$2,738/Month

Units Available

20 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 $2,738, while the city’s average stands at $1,880.

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.