Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Malden?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Malden, you need to earn at least $94,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $90,295, which means the typical resident is $4,265 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 65,463

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,655	$5,517	$66,200	$-24,095
1 Bedroom	$1,962	$6,540	$78,480	$-11,815
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,364	$7,880	$94,560	+$4,265
3 Bedroom	$2,884	$9,613	$115,360	+$25,065
4 Bedroom	$3,546	$11,820	$141,840	+$51,545

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$90,295

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$94,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$4,265

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Malden's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,257

Studio

$1,655/mo

1 BR

$1,962/mo

2 BR

$2,364/mo

3 BR

$2,884/mo

4 BR

$3,546/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Malden

Renting in Malden is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $4,265, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,655/month.

If you're relocating to Malden, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,655–$1,962/month) unless your income exceeds $94,560. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,182/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Malden is approximately $141,840. 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 Malden, Massachusetts.

With a total population of 65,463, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 35,839 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $94,560 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

35,839

Active civilian employees in Malden

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Malden

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Malden under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $94,560. The median household income in Malden is $90,295.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Malden on $90,295?

The affordability verdict for Malden is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.4%, meaning there's a $4,265 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Malden is $1,962/month. With a median household income of $90,295, residents spend approximately 31.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Malden?

A studio in Malden rents for approximately $1,655/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $66,200 to afford this.

Is Malden considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $4,265 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Malden is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $94,560 to the local median household income.

How Malden Compares

Other cities in Massachusetts with salary requirements