Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in El Paso?

To afford a 2-bedroom in El Paso, you need to earn at least $41,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,696, which means the typical resident is $20,096 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,855

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$728	$2,427	$29,120	$-32,576
1 Bedroom	$863	$2,877	$34,520	$-27,176
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,040	$3,467	$41,600	$-20,096
3 Bedroom	$1,269	$4,230	$50,760	$-10,936
4 Bedroom	$1,560	$5,200	$62,400	+$704

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,696

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$20,096

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in El Paso

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with El Paso's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,542

Studio

$728/mo

1 BR

$863/mo

2 BR

$1,040/mo

3 BR

$1,269/mo

4 BR

$1,560/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in El Paso.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to El Paso

El Paso, Illinois stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $61,696 significantly exceeds the $41,600 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $20,096 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating El Paso, a studio at $728/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,269/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $50,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $62,400 would position you well — though many residents in El Paso 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 El Paso, Illinois.

With a total population of 2,855, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,255 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,600 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

1,255

Active civilian employees in El Paso

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in El Paso

What salary do I need to live in El Paso, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in El Paso under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,600. The median household income in El Paso is $61,696.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in El Paso on $61,696?

The affordability verdict for El Paso is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.2%, meaning median earners have a $20,096 surplus.

What is the average rent in El Paso compared to median income?

The median gross rent in El Paso is $863/month. With a median household income of $61,696, residents spend approximately 20.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in El Paso?

A studio in El Paso rents for approximately $728/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,120 to afford this.

Is El Paso considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $20,096 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", El Paso is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,600 to the local median household income.

How El Paso Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements