Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Chillum?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Chillum, you need to earn at least $82,120/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $74,479, which means the typical resident is $7,641 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 35,908

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,437	$4,790	$57,480	$-16,999
1 Bedroom	$1,704	$5,680	$68,160	$-6,319
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,053	$6,843	$82,120	+$7,641
3 Bedroom	$2,505	$8,350	$100,200	+$25,721
4 Bedroom	$3,080	$10,267	$123,200	+$48,721

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$74,479

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$82,120

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$7,641

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 33.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Chillum's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,862

Studio

$1,437/mo

1 BR

$1,704/mo

2 BR

$2,053/mo

3 BR

$2,505/mo

4 BR

$3,080/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Chillum

Chillum's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $2,053/month requires $82,120/year — about $7,641 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Chillum, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,437–$1,704/month) unless your income exceeds $82,120. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,027/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Chillum is approximately $123,180. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Chillum, Maryland.

With a total population of 35,908, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 18,382 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $82,120 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

18,382

Active civilian employees in Chillum

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Chillum

What salary do I need to live in Chillum, Maryland?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Chillum under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $82,120. The median household income in Chillum is $74,479.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Chillum on $74,479?

The affordability verdict for Chillum is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 33.1%, meaning there's a $7,641 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Chillum is $1,704/month. With a median household income of $74,479, residents spend approximately 33.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Chillum?

A studio in Chillum rents for approximately $1,437/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $57,480 to afford this.

Is Chillum considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $7,641 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Chillum is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $82,120 to the local median household income.

How Chillum Compares

Other cities in Maryland with salary requirements