Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Alcalde?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alcalde, you need to earn at least $74,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $42,813, which means the typical resident is $31,867 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 235

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,307	$4,357	$52,280	+$9,467
1 Bedroom	$1,550	$5,167	$62,000	+$19,187
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,867	$6,223	$74,680	+$31,867
3 Bedroom	$2,278	$7,593	$91,120	+$48,307
4 Bedroom	$2,801	$9,337	$112,040	+$69,227

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$42,813

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$74,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$31,867

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 52.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Alcalde's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,070

Studio

$1,307/mo

1 BR

$1,550/mo

2 BR

$1,867/mo

3 BR

$2,278/mo

4 BR

$2,801/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Alcalde

Alcalde, New Mexico is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $42,813 faces a staggering $31,867 deficit against the $74,680 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Alcalde, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,307/month, which requires $52,280/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$934/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable New Mexico city.

To live comfortably in Alcalde without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $112,020 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for New Mexico's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Alcalde, New Mexico.

With a total population of 235, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 90 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $74,680 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

Active civilian employees in Alcalde

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Alcalde

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alcalde under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $74,680. The median household income in Alcalde is $42,813.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Alcalde on $42,813?

The affordability verdict for Alcalde is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 52.3%, meaning there's a $31,867 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Alcalde is $1,550/month. With a median household income of $42,813, residents spend approximately 52.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Alcalde?

A studio in Alcalde rents for approximately $1,307/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $52,280 to afford this.

Is Alcalde considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $31,867 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Alcalde is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $74,680 to the local median household income.

How Alcalde Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements