True Cost of Renting in Lewiston-Auburn, ME
Lewiston-Auburn (LA) are twin cities on opposite banks of the Androscoggin River, together forming Maine's second-largest metropolitan area. Lewiston has one of the largest Somali refugee communities in the United States, which has revitalized neighborhoods with new businesses and cultural institutions. Bates College (Lewiston) and Central Maine Medical Center are anchors. Central Maine Power (Iberdrola/Avangrid) provides electricity.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Lewiston Downtown / Bates Area
- Studio:
- $750/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $950/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,400/mo
Lewiston's redeveloping downtown near Bates College; Lisbon Street commercial corridor with growing small businesses. CMP electric. LATS bus service. Walk to Bates College campus and athletic facilities. The Somali community has opened restaurants and businesses that are genuinely excellent.
Auburn Center / Minot Avenue
- Studio:
- $800/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,000/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,500/mo
Auburn's commercial center across the river; slightly more suburban character. Auburn has the Central Maine Medical Center campus. LATS bus across the Memorial Bridge. More apartment complexes and retail-adjacent housing.
Poland / Mechanic Falls Adjacent
- 1 Bed:
- $900/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,300/mo
Rural/suburban towns adjacent to the LA metro; car required. Even lower rents than downtown Lewiston. Access to I-495 (Maine Turnpike spur) for Portland commutes. Less transit.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Central Maine Power (CMP / Avangrid)
- Water
- Lewiston Water Department / Auburn Water District
- Internet
- Spectrum, Consolidated Communications, Wabanaki Telephone
Commute & Transportation
Lewiston-Auburn has no rail transit. LATS (Lewiston Auburn Transit System) provides local bus service. Concord Coach Lines provides express bus to Portland (40 minutes) and Boston (2.5 hours). I-95/Maine Turnpike is accessible at Auburn (Exit 80). Portland is 35 miles south (40 minutes). Major employers: Central Maine Medical Center, Bates College, Geiger Brothers (promotional products), and a growing light manufacturing and distribution sector.
Rental Market Overview
Lewiston-Auburn offers the most affordable rents in the Northeast for a city with genuine urban amenities. CMP electric rates are among Maine's more affordable. Heating is a major cost — most LA housing uses heating oil or propane, and budget $300–500/month for heat in January-February in older buildings. The Somali community's revitalization of Lewiston (which began in 2001) is a remarkable urban story; the business district has genuine vibrancy. Remote work has increased demand since 2020. Renters insurance averages $12–16/month.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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