Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Altadena?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Altadena, you need to earn at least $102,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $123,869, which means the typical resident is $21,349 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 42,719

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,794	$5,980	$71,760	$-52,109
1 Bedroom	$2,127	$7,090	$85,080	$-38,789
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,563	$8,543	$102,520	$-21,349
3 Bedroom	$3,127	$10,423	$125,080	+$1,211
4 Bedroom	$3,845	$12,817	$153,800	+$29,931

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$123,869

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$102,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$21,349

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Altadena's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,097

Studio

$1,794/mo

1 BR

$2,127/mo

2 BR

$2,563/mo

3 BR

$3,127/mo

4 BR

$3,845/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Altadena

Altadena, California stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $123,869 significantly exceeds the $102,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $21,349 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Altadena, a studio at $1,794/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $3,127/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $125,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $153,780 would position you well — though many residents in Altadena 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 Altadena, California.

With a total population of 42,719, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 21,007 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $102,520 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

21,007

Active civilian employees in Altadena

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Altadena

What salary do I need to live in Altadena, California?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Altadena under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $102,520. The median household income in Altadena is $123,869.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Altadena on $123,869?

The affordability verdict for Altadena is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.8%, meaning median earners have a $21,349 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Altadena is $2,127/month. With a median household income of $123,869, residents spend approximately 24.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Altadena?

A studio in Altadena rents for approximately $1,794/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $71,760 to afford this.

Is Altadena considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $21,349 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Altadena is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $102,520 to the local median household income.

How Altadena Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements