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
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, East Bayside-India Street might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,025, while the city’s average stands at $1,851. In the last year, prices have increased by 5.7%. East Bayside-India Street is near Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Century Plaza, and East End Beach and Eastern Prom Trail.
Parkside
Average Rent
$2,182/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Parkside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Parkside is $2,182 while the city average is $1,851. This is a 1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Univ. Southern Maine,Portland, Union Station Plaza, and Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham. The neighborhood is considered walkable 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
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out West Portland. The average rent is $2,209, compared to the city average of $1,851. Rent prices have decreased by 0.2%. West Portland is convenient to Westgate Shopping Center, Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham, and Mayor Baxter Woods. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 68.
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 an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,245. Compare this to the city average of $1,851. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 5.3%. West Bayside provides easy access to Hannaford Plaza, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Portland Observatory. It’s a walkable neighborhood 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
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Portland, West End might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,303, while the city’s average stands at $1,851. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.3%. West End is near Union Station Plaza, Century Plaza, and Portland International Jetport.
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 a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Portland is $2,354 while the city average is $1,851. This is a 2.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to University of New England, Portland International Jetport, and Portland Observatory. The neighborhood is considered walkable 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
When you’re looking for a great Portland neighborhood on a budget, check out City Center. The average rent is $2,464, compared to the city average of $1,851. Rent prices have increased by 1.5%. City Center is convenient to Congress Plaza, Univ. Southern Maine, Gorham, and University of New England. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Arts District
Average Rent
$2,559/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
58 Rentals
Arts District is an affordable neighborhood in Portland with an average rent price of $2,559. Compare this to the city average of $1,851. Arts District provides easy access to University of New England, Southern Maine Comm. Coll., and Hannaford Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 99.
Old Port District
Average Rent
$2,649/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
26 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 $2,649, while the city’s average stands at $1,851. Old Port District is near Gulf of Maine Research Institute, East End Beach and Eastern Prom Trail, and Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.
Government District
Average Rent
$2,699/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
Government District is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Government District is $2,699 while the city average is $1,851. Residents enjoy convenient access to Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, and Portland International Jetport. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 100.
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.