Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Waldoboro?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Waldoboro, you need to earn at least $16,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $54,345, which means the typical resident is $38,305 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,553

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$281	$937	$11,240	$-43,105
1 Bedroom	$333	$1,110	$13,320	$-41,025
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$401	$1,337	$16,040	$-38,305
3 Bedroom	$489	$1,630	$19,560	$-34,785
4 Bedroom	$602	$2,007	$24,080	$-30,265

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$54,345

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$16,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$38,305

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 8.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Waldoboro's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,359

Studio

$281/mo

1 BR

$333/mo

2 BR

$401/mo

3 BR

$489/mo

4 BR

$602/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Waldoboro

Waldoboro, Maine stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $54,345 significantly exceeds the $16,040 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $38,305 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Waldoboro, a studio at $281/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $489/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $19,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $24,060 would position you well — though many residents in Waldoboro 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 Waldoboro, Maine.

With a total population of 1,553, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 764 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $16,040 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

764

Active civilian employees in Waldoboro

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Waldoboro

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Waldoboro under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $16,040. The median household income in Waldoboro is $54,345.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Waldoboro on $54,345?

The affordability verdict for Waldoboro is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 8.9%, meaning median earners have a $38,305 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Waldoboro is $333/month. With a median household income of $54,345, residents spend approximately 8.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Waldoboro?

A studio in Waldoboro rents for approximately $281/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $11,240 to afford this.

Is Waldoboro considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $38,305 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Waldoboro is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $16,040 to the local median household income.

How Waldoboro Compares

Other cities in Maine with salary requirements