Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Calais?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Calais, you need to earn at least $33,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,250, which means the typical resident is $11,610 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,078

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$589	$1,963	$23,560	$-21,690
1 Bedroom	$698	$2,327	$27,920	$-17,330
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$841	$2,803	$33,640	$-11,610
3 Bedroom	$1,026	$3,420	$41,040	$-4,210
4 Bedroom	$1,262	$4,207	$50,480	+$5,230

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$11,610

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Calais's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,131

Studio

$589/mo

1 BR

$698/mo

2 BR

$841/mo

3 BR

$1,026/mo

4 BR

$1,262/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Calais

Living in Calais is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $11,610 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Calais typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Calais, a studio at $589/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,026/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $41,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $50,460 would position you well — though many residents in Calais 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 Calais, Maine.

With a total population of 3,078, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,337 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,640 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

1,337

Active civilian employees in Calais

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Calais

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Calais under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,640. The median household income in Calais is $45,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Calais on $45,250?

The affordability verdict for Calais is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.3%, meaning median earners have a $11,610 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Calais is $698/month. With a median household income of $45,250, residents spend approximately 22.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Calais?

A studio in Calais rents for approximately $589/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,560 to afford this.

Is Calais considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $11,610 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Calais is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,640 to the local median household income.

How Calais Compares

Other cities in Maine with salary requirements