Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Blythe?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Blythe, you need to earn at least $42,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,377, which means the typical resident is $9,497 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 17,949

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$750	$2,500	$30,000	$-22,377
1 Bedroom	$890	$2,967	$35,600	$-16,777
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,072	$3,573	$42,880	$-9,497
3 Bedroom	$1,308	$4,360	$52,320	$-57
4 Bedroom	$1,608	$5,360	$64,320	+$11,943

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,377

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$42,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,497

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Blythe's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,309

Studio

$750/mo

1 BR

$890/mo

2 BR

$1,072/mo

3 BR

$1,308/mo

4 BR

$1,608/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Blythe

Living in Blythe is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $9,497 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Blythe typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Blythe, a studio at $750/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,308/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $52,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $64,320 would position you well — though many residents in Blythe 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 Blythe, California.

With a total population of 17,949, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,537 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $42,880 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

4,537

Active civilian employees in Blythe

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Blythe

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Blythe under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $42,880. The median household income in Blythe is $52,377.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Blythe on $52,377?

The affordability verdict for Blythe is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.6%, meaning median earners have a $9,497 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Blythe is $890/month. With a median household income of $52,377, residents spend approximately 24.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Blythe?

A studio in Blythe rents for approximately $750/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,000 to afford this.

Is Blythe considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,497 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Blythe is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $42,880 to the local median household income.

How Blythe Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements