RentData

Average Rent in Lewiston, ME Rents rising 14.1% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 112,323

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Lewiston, ME has rental prices ranging from $898/month to $1,845/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $994/month — 29% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $67,298/year, spending $994/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lewiston Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,268/month, Lewiston ranks #7 most expensive of the 19 cities tracked in Maine — pricier than 85% of all US cities in our data.

The Lewiston Rental Market

The Lewiston, ME area has a population of about 112,323 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Lewiston, ME have risen by $157/month (14.1%) over the past year, from $1,111 to $1,268. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lewiston, ME without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $39,760. The local median household income of $67,298 exceeds that threshold by $27,538, making Lewiston relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Lewiston, ME is $303,011, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 19.9. With a break-even horizon of approximately 20 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$898
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$994
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,268
14.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,663
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,845
Average
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Median Home Value
$303,011
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,613/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Lewiston, ME Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$50,720/year
Local median income: $67,298
To buy a median home
$64,510/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,268/month and 20% down on a $303,011 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MElargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
York$1,352$1,528$1,971$2,552
Portland$1,379$1,563$2,011$2,464
Cumberland County$1,197$1,330$1,745$2,191
York County$1,162$1,312$1,616$2,134
Penobscot County$839$880$1,155$1,455
Bangor$1,034$1,114$1,424$1,825

Rent or Buy in Lewiston?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lewiston data

$
Home Value
$303,011
2BR Rent
$1,268/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,613/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,231/movs rent: $1,268/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $303,011 home at 7% rate

20% — $60,602
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,613
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$242,409
Total Paid
$580,591
Total Interest
$338,182
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Lewiston

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Lewiston

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Lewiston

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💵Rent Affordability in Lewiston

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in ME

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📋ME Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections