Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fall River?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fall River, you need to earn at least $49,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,734, which means the typical resident is $3,574 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 93,638

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$860	$2,867	$34,400	$-18,334
1 Bedroom	$1,020	$3,400	$40,800	$-11,934
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,229	$4,097	$49,160	$-3,574
3 Bedroom	$1,499	$4,997	$59,960	+$7,226
4 Bedroom	$1,844	$6,147	$73,760	+$21,026

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,734

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$49,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$3,574

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 28.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fall River

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fall River's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,318

Studio

$860/mo

1 BR

$1,020/mo

2 BR

$1,229/mo

3 BR

$1,499/mo

4 BR

$1,844/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fall River.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fall River

Fall River is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $3,574. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,020/month) or studio ($860/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Fall River pushes the required income to $59,960.

For comfortable living in Fall River without financial stress, target a household income of at least $73,740 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Massachusetts's cost of living.

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 Fall River, Massachusetts.

With a total population of 93,638, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 42,720 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $49,160 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

42,720

Active civilian employees in Fall River

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fall River

What salary do I need to live in Fall River, Massachusetts?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fall River under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $49,160. The median household income in Fall River is $52,734.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fall River on $52,734?

The affordability verdict for Fall River is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 28.0%, meaning median earners have a $3,574 surplus.

What is the average rent in Fall River compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fall River is $1,020/month. With a median household income of $52,734, residents spend approximately 28.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fall River?

A studio in Fall River rents for approximately $860/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $34,400 to afford this.

Is Fall River considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $3,574 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Fall River is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $49,160 to the local median household income.

How Fall River Compares

Other cities in Massachusetts with salary requirements