Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Camden?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Camden, you need to earn at least $52,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $36,258, which means the typical resident is $16,302 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 71,799

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$920	$3,067	$36,800	+$542
1 Bedroom	$1,091	$3,637	$43,640	+$7,382
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,314	$4,380	$52,560	+$16,302
3 Bedroom	$1,603	$5,343	$64,120	+$27,862
4 Bedroom	$1,971	$6,570	$78,840	+$42,582

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$36,258

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$16,302

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 43.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Camden's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$906

Studio

$920/mo

1 BR

$1,091/mo

2 BR

$1,314/mo

3 BR

$1,603/mo

4 BR

$1,971/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Camden

Renting in Camden is unaffordable for most median earners. The $16,302 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $1,314/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to Camden, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $920/month, which requires $36,800/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$657/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable New Jersey city.

To live comfortably in Camden without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $78,840 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for New Jersey's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Camden, New Jersey.

With a total population of 71,799, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 25,964 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,560 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

25,964

Active civilian employees in Camden

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Camden

What salary do I need to live in Camden, New Jersey?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Camden under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,560. The median household income in Camden is $36,258.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Camden on $36,258?

The affordability verdict for Camden is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 43.5%, meaning there's a $16,302 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Camden is $1,091/month. With a median household income of $36,258, residents spend approximately 43.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Camden?

A studio in Camden rents for approximately $920/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,800 to afford this.

Is Camden considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $16,302 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Camden is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,560 to the local median household income.

How Camden Compares

Other cities in New Jersey with salary requirements