Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Markham?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Markham, you need to earn at least $76,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $47,955, which means the typical resident is $28,925 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 11,592

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,345	$4,483	$53,800	+$5,845
1 Bedroom	$1,595	$5,317	$63,800	+$15,845
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,922	$6,407	$76,880	+$28,925
3 Bedroom	$2,345	$7,817	$93,800	+$45,845
4 Bedroom	$2,883	$9,610	$115,320	+$67,365

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$47,955

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$76,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$28,925

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 48.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Markham's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,199

Studio

$1,345/mo

1 BR

$1,595/mo

2 BR

$1,922/mo

3 BR

$2,345/mo

4 BR

$2,883/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Markham

Markham, Illinois is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $47,955 faces a staggering $28,925 deficit against the $76,880 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Markham, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,345/month, which requires $53,800/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$961/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Illinois city.

To live comfortably in Markham without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $115,320 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Illinois'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 Markham, Illinois.

With a total population of 11,592, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,238 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $76,880 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

4,238

Active civilian employees in Markham

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Markham

What salary do I need to live in Markham, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Markham under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $76,880. The median household income in Markham is $47,955.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Markham on $47,955?

The affordability verdict for Markham is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 48.1%, meaning there's a $28,925 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Markham is $1,595/month. With a median household income of $47,955, residents spend approximately 48.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Markham?

A studio in Markham rents for approximately $1,345/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $53,800 to afford this.

Is Markham considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $28,925 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Markham is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $76,880 to the local median household income.

How Markham Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements