Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Portland-South Portland
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Portland-South Portland is 53% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,145/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton — saving $7,308/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boston-Cambridge-Newton | Portland-South Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,196 | $765 | $431 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,409 | $906 | $503 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,754 | $1,145 | $609 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,044 | $1,402 | $642 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,555 | $1,638 | $917 |
| Median Income | $100,795 | $58,824 | $41,971 |
Boston-Cambridge-Newton
- Studio
- $1,196/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,409/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,754/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,044/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,555/mo
- Median Income
- $100,795/yr
Portland-South Portland
- Studio
- $765/mo
- 1 BR
- $906/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,145/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,402/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,638/mo
- Median Income
- $58,824/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton or Portland-South Portland cheaper to rent in?
Portland-South Portland is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,145/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton. That's $609/mo or $7,308/year more expensive in Boston-Cambridge-Newton (53% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Portland-South Portland?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,754/month. In Portland-South Portland, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,145/month.
How do incomes compare between Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Portland-South Portland?
The median household income in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $100,795/year. In Portland-South Portland it is $58,824/year. Boston-Cambridge-Newton has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Portland-South Portland?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,196/mo. In Portland-South Portland it is $765/mo.