Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Holyoke?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Holyoke, you need to earn at least $45,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $49,007, which means the typical resident is $3,847 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 38,210

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$790	$2,633	$31,600	$-17,407
1 Bedroom	$937	$3,123	$37,480	$-11,527
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,129	$3,763	$45,160	$-3,847
3 Bedroom	$1,377	$4,590	$55,080	+$6,073
4 Bedroom	$1,694	$5,647	$67,760	+$18,753

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$49,007

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$3,847

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Holyoke's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,225

Studio

$790/mo

1 BR

$937/mo

2 BR

$1,129/mo

3 BR

$1,377/mo

4 BR

$1,694/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Holyoke

Holyoke is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $3,847. 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 ($937/month) or studio ($790/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Holyoke pushes the required income to $55,080.

For comfortable living in Holyoke without financial stress, target a household income of at least $67,740 — 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 Holyoke, Massachusetts.

With a total population of 38,210, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 15,479 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,160 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

15,479

Active civilian employees in Holyoke

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Holyoke

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Holyoke under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,160. The median household income in Holyoke is $49,007.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Holyoke on $49,007?

The affordability verdict for Holyoke is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.6%, meaning median earners have a $3,847 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Holyoke is $937/month. With a median household income of $49,007, residents spend approximately 27.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Holyoke?

A studio in Holyoke rents for approximately $790/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,600 to afford this.

Is Holyoke considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $3,847 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Holyoke is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,160 to the local median household income.

How Holyoke Compares

Other cities in Massachusetts with salary requirements