Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Newton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Newton, you need to earn at least $108,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $176,373, which means the typical resident is $67,853 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 88,453

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,899	$6,330	$75,960	$-100,413
1 Bedroom	$2,252	$7,507	$90,080	$-86,293
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,713	$9,043	$108,520	$-67,853
3 Bedroom	$3,310	$11,033	$132,400	$-43,973
4 Bedroom	$4,070	$13,567	$162,800	$-13,573

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$176,373

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$108,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$67,853

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Newton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$4,409

Studio

$1,899/mo

1 BR

$2,252/mo

2 BR

$2,713/mo

3 BR

$3,310/mo

4 BR

$4,070/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Newton

Newton, Massachusetts stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $176,373 significantly exceeds the $108,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $67,853 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Newton, a studio at $1,899/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $3,310/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $132,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $162,780 would position you well — though many residents in Newton 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 Newton, Massachusetts.

With a total population of 88,453, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 46,004 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $108,520 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

46,004

Active civilian employees in Newton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Newton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Newton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $108,520. The median household income in Newton is $176,373.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Newton on $176,373?

The affordability verdict for Newton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.5%, meaning median earners have a $67,853 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Newton is $2,252/month. With a median household income of $176,373, residents spend approximately 18.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Newton?

A studio in Newton rents for approximately $1,899/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $75,960 to afford this.

Is Newton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $67,853 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Newton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $108,520 to the local median household income.

How Newton Compares

Other cities in Massachusetts with salary requirements