Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in First Mesa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in First Mesa, you need to earn at least $31,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $53,229, which means the typical resident is $21,629 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,454

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$553	$1,843	$22,120	$-31,109
1 Bedroom	$656	$2,187	$26,240	$-26,989
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$790	$2,633	$31,600	$-21,629
3 Bedroom	$964	$3,213	$38,560	$-14,669
4 Bedroom	$1,185	$3,950	$47,400	$-5,829

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above First Mesa's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$53,229

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$21,629

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in First Mesa

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with First Mesa's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,331

Studio

$553/mo

1 BR

$656/mo

2 BR

$790/mo

3 BR

$964/mo

4 BR

$1,185/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in First Mesa.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for First Mesa's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to First Mesa

First Mesa, Arizona stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $53,229 significantly exceeds the $31,600 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $21,629 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating First Mesa, a studio at $553/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $964/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $38,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $47,400 would position you well — though many residents in First Mesa manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in First Mesa, Arizona.

With a total population of 1,454, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 436 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,600 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

436

Active civilian employees in First Mesa

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in First Mesa

What salary do I need to live in First Mesa, Arizona?

To afford a 2-bedroom in First Mesa under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,600. The median household income in First Mesa is $53,229.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in First Mesa on $53,229?

The affordability verdict for First Mesa is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.8%, meaning median earners have a $21,629 surplus.

What is the average rent in First Mesa compared to median income?

The median gross rent in First Mesa is $656/month. With a median household income of $53,229, residents spend approximately 17.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in First Mesa?

A studio in First Mesa rents for approximately $553/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,120 to afford this.

Is First Mesa considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $21,629 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", First Mesa is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,600 to the local median household income.

How First Mesa Compares

Other cities in Arizona with salary requirements