Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Caldwell?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Caldwell, you need to earn at least $48,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,259, which means the typical resident is $16,499 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 61,212

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$853	$2,843	$34,120	$-31,139
1 Bedroom	$1,012	$3,373	$40,480	$-24,779
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,219	$4,063	$48,760	$-16,499
3 Bedroom	$1,487	$4,957	$59,480	$-5,779
4 Bedroom	$1,829	$6,097	$73,160	+$7,901

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,259

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$48,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$16,499

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Caldwell's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,631

Studio

$853/mo

1 BR

$1,012/mo

2 BR

$1,219/mo

3 BR

$1,487/mo

4 BR

$1,829/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Caldwell

Living in Caldwell is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $16,499 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Caldwell typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Caldwell, a studio at $853/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,487/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $59,480.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $73,140 would position you well — though many residents in Caldwell 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 Caldwell, Idaho.

With a total population of 61,212, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 26,572 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $48,760 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

26,572

Active civilian employees in Caldwell

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Caldwell

What salary do I need to live in Caldwell, Idaho?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Caldwell under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $48,760. The median household income in Caldwell is $65,259.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Caldwell on $65,259?

The affordability verdict for Caldwell is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.4%, meaning median earners have a $16,499 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Caldwell is $1,012/month. With a median household income of $65,259, residents spend approximately 22.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Caldwell?

A studio in Caldwell rents for approximately $853/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $34,120 to afford this.

Is Caldwell considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $16,499 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Caldwell is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $48,760 to the local median household income.

How Caldwell Compares

Other cities in Idaho with salary requirements