Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Mescal?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mescal, you need to earn at least $34,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,969, which means the typical resident is $18,169 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,468

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$609	$2,030	$24,360	$-28,609
1 Bedroom	$722	$2,407	$28,880	$-24,089
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$870	$2,900	$34,800	$-18,169
3 Bedroom	$1,061	$3,537	$42,440	$-10,529
4 Bedroom	$1,305	$4,350	$52,200	$-769

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,969

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$34,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,169

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Mescal

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Mescal's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,324

Studio

$609/mo

1 BR

$722/mo

2 BR

$870/mo

3 BR

$1,061/mo

4 BR

$1,305/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Mescal.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Mescal

Living in Mescal is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,169 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Mescal typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Mescal, a studio at $609/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,061/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $42,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $52,200 would position you well — though many residents in Mescal 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 Mescal, Arizona.

With a total population of 1,468, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 456 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $34,800 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

456

Active civilian employees in Mescal

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Mescal

What salary do I need to live in Mescal, Arizona?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mescal under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $34,800. The median household income in Mescal is $52,969.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Mescal on $52,969?

The affordability verdict for Mescal is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.7%, meaning median earners have a $18,169 surplus.

What is the average rent in Mescal compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Mescal is $722/month. With a median household income of $52,969, residents spend approximately 19.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Mescal?

A studio in Mescal rents for approximately $609/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,360 to afford this.

Is Mescal considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,169 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Mescal is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $34,800 to the local median household income.

How Mescal Compares

Other cities in Arizona with salary requirements