Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Downey?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Downey, you need to earn at least $87,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $84,236, which means the typical resident is $3,204 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 113,052

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,530	$5,100	$61,200	$-23,036
1 Bedroom	$1,814	$6,047	$72,560	$-11,676
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,186	$7,287	$87,440	+$3,204
3 Bedroom	$2,667	$8,890	$106,680	+$22,444
4 Bedroom	$3,279	$10,930	$131,160	+$46,924

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$84,236

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$87,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$3,204

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Downey's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,106

Studio

$1,530/mo

1 BR

$1,814/mo

2 BR

$2,186/mo

3 BR

$2,667/mo

4 BR

$3,279/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Downey

Renting in Downey is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $3,204, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,530/month.

If you're relocating to Downey, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,530–$1,814/month) unless your income exceeds $87,440. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,093/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Downey is approximately $131,160. 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 Downey, California.

With a total population of 113,052, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 56,688 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $87,440 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

56,688

Active civilian employees in Downey

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Downey

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Downey under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $87,440. The median household income in Downey is $84,236.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Downey on $84,236?

The affordability verdict for Downey is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.1%, meaning there's a $3,204 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Downey is $1,814/month. With a median household income of $84,236, residents spend approximately 31.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Downey?

A studio in Downey rents for approximately $1,530/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $61,200 to afford this.

Is Downey considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $3,204 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Downey is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $87,440 to the local median household income.

How Downey Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements