Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Passaic?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Passaic, you need to earn at least $64,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $57,832, which means the typical resident is $6,808 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 70,048

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,131	$3,770	$45,240	$-12,592
1 Bedroom	$1,341	$4,470	$53,640	$-4,192
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,616	$5,387	$64,640	+$6,808
3 Bedroom	$1,972	$6,573	$78,880	+$21,048
4 Bedroom	$2,424	$8,080	$96,960	+$39,128

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$57,832

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$64,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$6,808

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 33.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Passaic's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,446

Studio

$1,131/mo

1 BR

$1,341/mo

2 BR

$1,616/mo

3 BR

$1,972/mo

4 BR

$2,424/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Passaic

Passaic's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,616/month requires $64,640/year — about $6,808 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Passaic, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,131–$1,341/month) unless your income exceeds $64,640. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $808/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Passaic is approximately $96,960. 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 Passaic, New Jersey.

With a total population of 70,048, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 29,704 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $64,640 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

29,704

Active civilian employees in Passaic

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Passaic

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Passaic under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $64,640. The median household income in Passaic is $57,832.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Passaic on $57,832?

The affordability verdict for Passaic is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 33.5%, meaning there's a $6,808 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Passaic is $1,341/month. With a median household income of $57,832, residents spend approximately 33.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Passaic?

A studio in Passaic rents for approximately $1,131/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $45,240 to afford this.

Is Passaic considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $6,808 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Passaic is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $64,640 to the local median household income.

How Passaic Compares

Other cities in New Jersey with salary requirements