Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Union?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Union, you need to earn at least $78,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $124,100, which means the typical resident is $46,020 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,974

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,366	$4,553	$54,640	$-69,460
1 Bedroom	$1,620	$5,400	$64,800	$-59,300
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,952	$6,507	$78,080	$-46,020
3 Bedroom	$2,381	$7,937	$95,240	$-28,860
4 Bedroom	$2,928	$9,760	$117,120	$-6,980

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$124,100

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$78,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$46,020

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Union's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,103

Studio

$1,366/mo

1 BR

$1,620/mo

2 BR

$1,952/mo

3 BR

$2,381/mo

4 BR

$2,928/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Union

Union, New Jersey stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $124,100 significantly exceeds the $78,080 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $46,020 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Union, a studio at $1,366/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,381/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $95,240.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $117,120 would position you well — though many residents in Union 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 Union, New Jersey.

With a total population of 2,974, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,754 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $78,080 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

1,754

Active civilian employees in Union

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Union

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Union under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $78,080. The median household income in Union is $124,100.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Union on $124,100?

The affordability verdict for Union is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.9%, meaning median earners have a $46,020 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Union is $1,620/month. With a median household income of $124,100, residents spend approximately 18.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Union?

A studio in Union rents for approximately $1,366/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $54,640 to afford this.

Is Union considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $46,020 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Union is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $78,080 to the local median household income.

How Union Compares

Other cities in New Jersey with salary requirements