RentData

Average Rent in York, ME Rents rising 16.1% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in ME

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 557,764

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

Market Overview

York, ME has rental prices ranging from $1,352/month to $3,310/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,528/month — 9% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $88,602/year, spending $1,528/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How York Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,971/month, York ranks #2 most expensive of the 19 cities tracked in Maine — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The York Rental Market

The York, ME area has a population of about 557,764 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in York, ME have risen by $274/month (16.1%) over the past year, from $1,697 to $1,971. 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 York, ME without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $61,120. The local median household income of $88,602 exceeds that threshold by $27,482, making York relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in York, ME is $772,989, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 32.7. With a break-even horizon of approximately 33 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across York's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Cape Neddick ($743,121 median home value), York Harbor ($842,149 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,352
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,528
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,971
16.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$2,552
Average
4 Bedrooms
$3,310
Expensive
🔔
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Median Home Value
$772,989
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$4,114/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is York, 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
$78,840/year
Local median income: $88,602
To buy a median home
$164,567/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,971/month and 20% down on a $772,989 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MElargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
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
Kennebec County$895$901$1,160$1,454

Rent or Buy in York?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real York data

$
Home Value
$772,989
2BR Rent
$1,971/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$4,114/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $5,692/movs rent: $1,971/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 $772,989 home at 7% rate

20% — $154,598
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$4,114
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$618,391
Total Paid
$1,481,102
Total Interest
$862,711
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in York

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in York

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in York

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in York

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in ME

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⚖️Compare York

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋ME Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections