Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Portland, ME
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Portland are East Bayside-India Street, Parkside, and West Bayside. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Portland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 12, 2025, the average rent in Portland is $1,846, 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.
East Bayside-India Street
Average Rent
$2,119/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.2%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
East Bayside-India Street is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,119. Compare this to the city average of $1,846. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.2%. East Bayside-India Street provides easy access to Portland International Jetport, Century Plaza, and Southern Maine Comm. Coll.. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 96.
Parkside
Average Rent
$2,252/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
10 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 $2,252, while the city’s average stands at $1,846. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.7%. Parkside is near Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Hannaford Plaza, and Portland Observatory.
West Bayside
Average Rent
$2,332/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
33 Rentals
West Bayside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Bayside is $2,332 while the city average is $1,846. This is a -1.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Century Plaza, Southern Maine Comm. Coll., and Hannaford Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 94.
West Portland
Average Rent
$2,343/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
43/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out West Portland. The average rent is $2,343, compared to the city average of $1,846. Rent prices have increased by 3.2%. West Portland is convenient to Portland International Jetport, Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, and St. Joseph's College of Maine. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 68.
West End
Average Rent
$2,402/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
West End is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,402. Compare this to the city average of $1,846. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.3%. West End provides easy access to Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, and Portland International Jetport. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.
Downtown Portland
Average Rent
$2,482/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
80 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, Downtown Portland might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,482, while the city’s average stands at $1,846. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.6%. Downtown Portland is near Southern Maine Comm. Coll., Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, and Century Plaza.
City Center
Average Rent
$2,626/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
35 Rentals
City Center is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in City Center is $2,626 while the city average is $1,846. This is a 3.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Congress Plaza, Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, and Gulf of Maine Research Institute. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Arts District
Average Rent
$2,712/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out Arts District. The average rent is $2,712, compared to the city average of $1,846. Arts District is convenient to Hannaford Plaza, Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, and Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Old Port
Average Rent
$2,732/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Old Port is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,732. Compare this to the city average of $1,846. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0%. Old Port provides easy access to Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Portland Observatory, and University of New England. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 99.
Old Port District
Average Rent
$2,732/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
25 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 $2,732, while the city’s average stands at $1,846. Old Port District is near Century Plaza, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and Portland Observatory.
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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.