Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in University of California-Davis?

To afford a 2-bedroom in University of California-Davis, you need to earn at least $70,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $19,541, which means the typical resident is $51,339 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,229

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,240	$4,133	$49,600	+$30,059
1 Bedroom	$1,471	$4,903	$58,840	+$39,299
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,772	$5,907	$70,880	+$51,339
3 Bedroom	$2,162	$7,207	$86,480	+$66,939
4 Bedroom	$2,658	$8,860	$106,320	+$86,779

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above University of California-Davis's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$19,541

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$70,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$51,339

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 108.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in University of California-Davis

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with University of California-Davis's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$489

Studio

$1,240/mo

1 BR

$1,471/mo

2 BR

$1,772/mo

3 BR

$2,162/mo

4 BR

$2,658/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in University of California-Davis.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to University of California-Davis

University of California-Davis, California is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $19,541 faces a staggering $51,339 deficit against the $70,880 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to University of California-Davis, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,240/month, which requires $49,600/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$886/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable California city.

To live comfortably in University of California-Davis without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $106,320 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for California's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 University of California-Davis, California.

With a total population of 8,229, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,894 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $70,880 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

1,894

Active civilian employees in University of California-Davis

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in University of California-Davis

What salary do I need to live in University of California-Davis, California?

To afford a 2-bedroom in University of California-Davis under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $70,880. The median household income in University of California-Davis is $19,541.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in University of California-Davis on $19,541?

The affordability verdict for University of California-Davis is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 108.8%, meaning there's a $51,339 income gap.

What is the average rent in University of California-Davis compared to median income?

The median gross rent in University of California-Davis is $1,471/month. With a median household income of $19,541, residents spend approximately 108.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in University of California-Davis?

A studio in University of California-Davis rents for approximately $1,240/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $49,600 to afford this.

Is University of California-Davis considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $51,339 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", University of California-Davis is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $70,880 to the local median household income.

How University of California-Davis Compares

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