Portland on 35,000 a year (to rent, how much, house)

[keepitalive305]

Hello all! I've recently been trying to relocate to a new city. Portland is one of the places I've been offered a job, among very different locations like Southern California. The job in Portland would pay 35,000. I'm 25 single male, so I don't need to buy a house or anything, just looking to rent a one bedroom really. Is Portland the type of place you can live with this average level salary? I know New England is generally more expensive than most places, but I didn't know if Maine was included in the high prices. Also is it a fun place to live? I'm not a party animal, living Miami I've never really understood the whole 'club culture', but I do like going to restaurants and maybe bars/pubs with good friends. I didn't know if Portland was empty of people my age.

[danpv]

Don't know how much you were offered in So Cal, but I don't have to tell you that it's 180 degrees different from Portland. If you love the big city and tons of traffic, you'll love So Cal, but you couldn't survive here on just $35K ($60K minimum?).

If you are frugal and don't need a fancy rental, you should be able to make it in Portland on that salary (but keep looking for something better). The city's known for is many restaurants, relative to population so you shouldn't want for places to dine. There are plenty of young adults there too, so not to worry.

And courtesy of global warming, Maine's winter weather should improve. If you enjoy the outdoors, Maine's the place for you - just don't ever go outside in the summer without an ammo belt full of insect repellent.

Good luck.