Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Calimesa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Calimesa, you need to earn at least $79,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $74,236, which means the typical resident is $5,564 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 10,366

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,397	$4,657	$55,880	$-18,356
1 Bedroom	$1,656	$5,520	$66,240	$-7,996
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,995	$6,650	$79,800	+$5,564
3 Bedroom	$2,434	$8,113	$97,360	+$23,124
4 Bedroom	$2,993	$9,977	$119,720	+$45,484

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$74,236

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$79,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$5,564

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 32.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Calimesa's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,856

Studio

$1,397/mo

1 BR

$1,656/mo

2 BR

$1,995/mo

3 BR

$2,434/mo

4 BR

$2,993/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Calimesa

Calimesa's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,995/month requires $79,800/year — about $5,564 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Calimesa, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,397–$1,656/month) unless your income exceeds $79,800. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $998/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Calimesa is approximately $119,700. 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 Calimesa, California.

With a total population of 10,366, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,481 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $79,800 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

4,481

Active civilian employees in Calimesa

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Calimesa

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Calimesa under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $79,800. The median household income in Calimesa is $74,236.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Calimesa on $74,236?

The affordability verdict for Calimesa is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 32.2%, meaning there's a $5,564 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Calimesa is $1,656/month. With a median household income of $74,236, residents spend approximately 32.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Calimesa?

A studio in Calimesa rents for approximately $1,397/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $55,880 to afford this.

Is Calimesa considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $5,564 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Calimesa is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $79,800 to the local median household income.

How Calimesa Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements