Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Auburn?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Auburn, you need to earn at least $44,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,659, which means the typical resident is $15,019 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 24,038

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$781	$2,603	$31,240	$-28,419
1 Bedroom	$926	$3,087	$37,040	$-22,619
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,116	$3,720	$44,640	$-15,019
3 Bedroom	$1,362	$4,540	$54,480	$-5,179
4 Bedroom	$1,674	$5,580	$66,960	+$7,301

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,659

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,019

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Auburn's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,491

Studio

$781/mo

1 BR

$926/mo

2 BR

$1,116/mo

3 BR

$1,362/mo

4 BR

$1,674/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Auburn

Living in Auburn is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,019 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Auburn typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Auburn, a studio at $781/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,362/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $54,480.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $66,960 would position you well — though many residents in Auburn 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 Auburn, Maine.

With a total population of 24,038, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 12,217 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,640 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

12,217

Active civilian employees in Auburn

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Auburn

What salary do I need to live in Auburn, Maine?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Auburn under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,640. The median household income in Auburn is $59,659.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Auburn on $59,659?

The affordability verdict for Auburn is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.4%, meaning median earners have a $15,019 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Auburn is $926/month. With a median household income of $59,659, residents spend approximately 22.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Auburn?

A studio in Auburn rents for approximately $781/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,240 to afford this.

Is Auburn considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,019 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Auburn is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,640 to the local median household income.

How Auburn Compares

Other cities in Maine with salary requirements