Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Matheny?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Matheny, you need to earn at least $52,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,927, which means the typical resident is $13,727 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 766

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$913	$3,043	$36,520	$-29,407
1 Bedroom	$1,083	$3,610	$43,320	$-22,607
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,305	$4,350	$52,200	$-13,727
3 Bedroom	$1,592	$5,307	$63,680	$-2,247
4 Bedroom	$1,958	$6,527	$78,320	+$12,393

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,927

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,727

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Matheny's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,648

Studio

$913/mo

1 BR

$1,083/mo

2 BR

$1,305/mo

3 BR

$1,592/mo

4 BR

$1,958/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Matheny

Living in Matheny is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,727 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Matheny typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Matheny, a studio at $913/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,592/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $63,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $78,300 would position you well — though many residents in Matheny 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 Matheny, California.

With a total population of 766, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 379 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,200 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

379

Active civilian employees in Matheny

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Matheny

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Matheny under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,200. The median household income in Matheny is $65,927.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Matheny on $65,927?

The affordability verdict for Matheny is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.8%, meaning median earners have a $13,727 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Matheny is $1,083/month. With a median household income of $65,927, residents spend approximately 23.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Matheny?

A studio in Matheny rents for approximately $913/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,520 to afford this.

Is Matheny considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,727 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Matheny is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,200 to the local median household income.

How Matheny Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements