Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lake Montezuma?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Montezuma, you need to earn at least $60,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $57,575, which means the typical resident is $3,305 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,526

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,065	$3,550	$42,600	$-14,975
1 Bedroom	$1,263	$4,210	$50,520	$-7,055
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,522	$5,073	$60,880	+$3,305
3 Bedroom	$1,857	$6,190	$74,280	+$16,705
4 Bedroom	$2,283	$7,610	$91,320	+$33,745

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$57,575

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$60,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$3,305

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Lake Montezuma

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lake Montezuma's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,439

Studio

$1,065/mo

1 BR

$1,263/mo

2 BR

$1,522/mo

3 BR

$1,857/mo

4 BR

$2,283/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Lake Montezuma.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lake Montezuma

Renting in Lake Montezuma is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $3,305, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,065/month.

If you're relocating to Lake Montezuma, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,065–$1,263/month) unless your income exceeds $60,880. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $761/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Lake Montezuma is approximately $91,320. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Lake Montezuma, Arizona.

With a total population of 4,526, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,748 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $60,880 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

1,748

Active civilian employees in Lake Montezuma

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lake Montezuma

What salary do I need to live in Lake Montezuma, Arizona?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Montezuma under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $60,880. The median household income in Lake Montezuma is $57,575.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Montezuma on $57,575?

The affordability verdict for Lake Montezuma is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.7%, meaning there's a $3,305 income gap.

What is the average rent in Lake Montezuma compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Lake Montezuma is $1,263/month. With a median household income of $57,575, residents spend approximately 31.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lake Montezuma?

A studio in Lake Montezuma rents for approximately $1,065/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $42,600 to afford this.

Is Lake Montezuma considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $3,305 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Lake Montezuma is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $60,880 to the local median household income.

How Lake Montezuma Compares

Other cities in Arizona with salary requirements