Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Alturas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alturas, you need to earn at least $37,360/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,051, which means the typical resident is $13,691 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,683

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$654	$2,180	$26,160	$-24,891
1 Bedroom	$775	$2,583	$31,000	$-20,051
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$934	$3,113	$37,360	$-13,691
3 Bedroom	$1,139	$3,797	$45,560	$-5,491
4 Bedroom	$1,401	$4,670	$56,040	+$4,989

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,051

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,360

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,691

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Alturas's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,276

Studio

$654/mo

1 BR

$775/mo

2 BR

$934/mo

3 BR

$1,139/mo

4 BR

$1,401/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Alturas

Living in Alturas is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,691 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Alturas typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Alturas, a studio at $654/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,139/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $56,040 would position you well — though many residents in Alturas 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 Alturas, California.

With a total population of 2,683, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 990 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,360 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

990

Active civilian employees in Alturas

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Alturas

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alturas under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,360. The median household income in Alturas is $51,051.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Alturas on $51,051?

The affordability verdict for Alturas is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.0%, meaning median earners have a $13,691 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Alturas is $775/month. With a median household income of $51,051, residents spend approximately 22.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Alturas?

A studio in Alturas rents for approximately $654/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,160 to afford this.

Is Alturas considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,691 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Alturas is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,360 to the local median household income.

How Alturas Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements