Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Phillipsburg?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Phillipsburg, you need to earn at least $53,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $64,130, which means the typical resident is $10,170 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 15,206

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$944	$3,147	$37,760	$-26,370
1 Bedroom	$1,120	$3,733	$44,800	$-19,330
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,349	$4,497	$53,960	$-10,170
3 Bedroom	$1,646	$5,487	$65,840	+$1,710
4 Bedroom	$2,024	$6,747	$80,960	+$16,830

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$64,130

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$53,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$10,170

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Phillipsburg's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,603

Studio

$944/mo

1 BR

$1,120/mo

2 BR

$1,349/mo

3 BR

$1,646/mo

4 BR

$2,024/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Phillipsburg

Renting in Phillipsburg, New Jersey is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $53,960/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $64,130, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,120/month) or studio ($944/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Phillipsburg pushes the required income to $65,840.

For comfortable living in Phillipsburg without financial stress, target a household income of at least $80,940 — 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 Phillipsburg, New Jersey.

With a total population of 15,206, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,449 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $53,960 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

7,449

Active civilian employees in Phillipsburg

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Phillipsburg

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Phillipsburg under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $53,960. The median household income in Phillipsburg is $64,130.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Phillipsburg on $64,130?

The affordability verdict for Phillipsburg is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.2%, meaning median earners have a $10,170 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Phillipsburg is $1,120/month. With a median household income of $64,130, residents spend approximately 25.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Phillipsburg?

A studio in Phillipsburg rents for approximately $944/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,760 to afford this.

Is Phillipsburg considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $10,170 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Phillipsburg is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $53,960 to the local median household income.

How Phillipsburg Compares

Other cities in New Jersey with salary requirements