Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Andover?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Andover, you need to earn at least $71,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $130,417, which means the typical resident is $59,217 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 9,419

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,246	$4,153	$49,840	$-80,577
1 Bedroom	$1,477	$4,923	$59,080	$-71,337
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,780	$5,933	$71,200	$-59,217
3 Bedroom	$2,172	$7,240	$86,880	$-43,537
4 Bedroom	$2,670	$8,900	$106,800	$-23,617

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$130,417

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$71,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$59,217

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Andover's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,260

Studio

$1,246/mo

1 BR

$1,477/mo

2 BR

$1,780/mo

3 BR

$2,172/mo

4 BR

$2,670/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Andover

Andover, Massachusetts stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $130,417 significantly exceeds the $71,200 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $59,217 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Andover, a studio at $1,246/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,172/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $86,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $106,800 would position you well — though many residents in Andover 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 Andover, Massachusetts.

With a total population of 9,419, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,962 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $71,200 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

4,962

Active civilian employees in Andover

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Andover

What salary do I need to live in Andover, Massachusetts?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Andover under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $71,200. The median household income in Andover is $130,417.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Andover on $130,417?

The affordability verdict for Andover is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.4%, meaning median earners have a $59,217 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Andover is $1,477/month. With a median household income of $130,417, residents spend approximately 16.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Andover?

A studio in Andover rents for approximately $1,246/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $49,840 to afford this.

Is Andover considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $59,217 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Andover is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $71,200 to the local median household income.

How Andover Compares

Other cities in Massachusetts with salary requirements