Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Garfield?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Garfield, you need to earn at least $71,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $72,026, which means the typical resident is $186 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 32,472

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,257	$4,190	$50,280	$-21,746
1 Bedroom	$1,491	$4,970	$59,640	$-12,386
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,796	$5,987	$71,840	$-186
3 Bedroom	$2,191	$7,303	$87,640	+$15,614
4 Bedroom	$2,694	$8,980	$107,760	+$35,734

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$72,026

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$71,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$186

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 29.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Garfield's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,801

Studio

$1,257/mo

1 BR

$1,491/mo

2 BR

$1,796/mo

3 BR

$2,191/mo

4 BR

$2,694/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Garfield

Garfield is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $186. 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 ($1,491/month) or studio ($1,257/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Garfield pushes the required income to $87,640.

For comfortable living in Garfield without financial stress, target a household income of at least $107,760 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for New Jersey'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 Garfield, New Jersey.

With a total population of 32,472, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 16,705 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $71,840 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

16,705

Active civilian employees in Garfield

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Garfield

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Garfield under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $71,840. The median household income in Garfield is $72,026.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Garfield on $72,026?

The affordability verdict for Garfield is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 29.9%, meaning median earners have a $186 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Garfield is $1,491/month. With a median household income of $72,026, residents spend approximately 29.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Garfield?

A studio in Garfield rents for approximately $1,257/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $50,280 to afford this.

Is Garfield considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $186 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Garfield is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $71,840 to the local median household income.

How Garfield Compares

Other cities in New Jersey with salary requirements