Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Monrovia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Monrovia, you need to earn at least $94,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $93,827, which means the typical resident is $453 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 37,656

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,650	$5,500	$66,000	$-27,827
1 Bedroom	$1,956	$6,520	$78,240	$-15,587
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,357	$7,857	$94,280	+$453
3 Bedroom	$2,876	$9,587	$115,040	+$21,213
4 Bedroom	$3,536	$11,787	$141,440	+$47,613

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$93,827

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$94,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$453

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Monrovia's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,346

Studio

$1,650/mo

1 BR

$1,956/mo

2 BR

$2,357/mo

3 BR

$2,876/mo

4 BR

$3,536/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Monrovia

Renting in Monrovia is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $453, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,650/month.

If you're relocating to Monrovia, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,650–$1,956/month) unless your income exceeds $94,280. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,179/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Monrovia is approximately $141,420. 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 Monrovia, California.

With a total population of 37,656, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 19,475 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $94,280 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

19,475

Active civilian employees in Monrovia

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Monrovia

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Monrovia under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $94,280. The median household income in Monrovia is $93,827.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Monrovia on $93,827?

The affordability verdict for Monrovia is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.1%, meaning there's a $453 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Monrovia is $1,956/month. With a median household income of $93,827, residents spend approximately 30.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Monrovia?

A studio in Monrovia rents for approximately $1,650/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $66,000 to afford this.

Is Monrovia considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $453 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Monrovia is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $94,280 to the local median household income.

How Monrovia Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements