Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Albuquerque?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Albuquerque, you need to earn at least $48,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,503, which means the typical resident is $12,623 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 562,551

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$855	$2,850	$34,200	$-27,303
1 Bedroom	$1,014	$3,380	$40,560	$-20,943
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,222	$4,073	$48,880	$-12,623
3 Bedroom	$1,491	$4,970	$59,640	$-1,863
4 Bedroom	$1,833	$6,110	$73,320	+$11,817

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,503

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$48,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,623

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Albuquerque's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,538

Studio

$855/mo

1 BR

$1,014/mo

2 BR

$1,222/mo

3 BR

$1,491/mo

4 BR

$1,833/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Albuquerque

Living in Albuquerque is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $12,623 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Albuquerque typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Albuquerque, a studio at $855/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,491/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $59,640.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $73,320 would position you well — though many residents in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico.

With a total population of 562,551, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 276,323 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $48,880 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

276,323

Active civilian employees in Albuquerque

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Albuquerque

What salary do I need to live in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Albuquerque under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $48,880. The median household income in Albuquerque is $61,503.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Albuquerque on $61,503?

The affordability verdict for Albuquerque is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.8%, meaning median earners have a $12,623 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Albuquerque is $1,014/month. With a median household income of $61,503, residents spend approximately 23.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Albuquerque?

A studio in Albuquerque rents for approximately $855/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $34,200 to afford this.

Is Albuquerque considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,623 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Albuquerque is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $48,880 to the local median household income.

How Albuquerque Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements