Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Surf City?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Surf City, you need to earn at least $100,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $110,750, which means the typical resident is $10,750 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,325

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,750	$5,833	$70,000	$-40,750
1 Bedroom	$2,075	$6,917	$83,000	$-27,750
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,500	$8,333	$100,000	$-10,750
3 Bedroom	$3,050	$10,167	$122,000	+$11,250
4 Bedroom	$3,750	$12,500	$150,000	+$39,250

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$110,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$100,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$10,750

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Surf City

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Surf City's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,769

Studio

$1,750/mo

1 BR

$2,075/mo

2 BR

$2,500/mo

3 BR

$3,050/mo

4 BR

$3,750/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Surf City.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Surf City

Renting in Surf City, New Jersey is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $100,000/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $110,750, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($2,075/month) or studio ($1,750/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Surf City pushes the required income to $122,000.

For comfortable living in Surf City without financial stress, target a household income of at least $150,000 — 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 Surf City, New Jersey.

With a total population of 1,325, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 490 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $100,000 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

490

Active civilian employees in Surf City

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Surf City

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Surf City under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $100,000. The median household income in Surf City is $110,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Surf City on $110,750?

The affordability verdict for Surf City is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.1%, meaning median earners have a $10,750 surplus.

What is the average rent in Surf City compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Surf City is $2,075/month. With a median household income of $110,750, residents spend approximately 27.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Surf City?

A studio in Surf City rents for approximately $1,750/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $70,000 to afford this.

Is Surf City considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $10,750 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Surf City is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $100,000 to the local median household income.

How Surf City Compares

Other cities in New Jersey with salary requirements