Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Essex Fells?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Essex Fells, you need to earn at least $168,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $247,000, which means the typical resident is $78,280 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,290

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$2,953	$9,843	$118,120	$-128,880
1 Bedroom	$3,501	$11,670	$140,040	$-106,960
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$4,218	$14,060	$168,720	$-78,280
3 Bedroom	$5,146	$17,153	$205,840	$-41,160
4 Bedroom	$6,327	$21,090	$253,080	+$6,080

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$247,000

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$168,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$78,280

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Essex Fells

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Essex Fells's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$6,175

Studio

$2,953/mo

1 BR

$3,501/mo

2 BR

$4,218/mo

3 BR

$5,146/mo

4 BR

$6,327/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Essex Fells.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Essex Fells

Essex Fells, New Jersey stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $247,000 significantly exceeds the $168,720 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $78,280 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Essex Fells, a studio at $2,953/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $5,146/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $205,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $253,080 would position you well — though many residents in Essex Fells 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 Essex Fells, New Jersey.

With a total population of 2,290, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,000 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $168,720 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

1,000

Active civilian employees in Essex Fells

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Essex Fells

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Essex Fells under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $168,720. The median household income in Essex Fells is $247,000.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Essex Fells on $247,000?

The affordability verdict for Essex Fells is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.5%, meaning median earners have a $78,280 surplus.

What is the average rent in Essex Fells compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Essex Fells is $3,501/month. With a median household income of $247,000, residents spend approximately 20.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Essex Fells?

A studio in Essex Fells rents for approximately $2,953/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $118,120 to afford this.

Is Essex Fells considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $78,280 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Essex Fells is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $168,720 to the local median household income.

How Essex Fells Compares

Other cities in New Jersey with salary requirements