Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Aztec?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Aztec, you need to earn at least $39,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,846, which means the typical resident is $6,806 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,214

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$683	$2,277	$27,320	$-18,526
1 Bedroom	$810	$2,700	$32,400	$-13,446
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$976	$3,253	$39,040	$-6,806
3 Bedroom	$1,191	$3,970	$47,640	+$1,794
4 Bedroom	$1,464	$4,880	$58,560	+$12,714

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,846

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$6,806

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Aztec's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,146

Studio

$683/mo

1 BR

$810/mo

2 BR

$976/mo

3 BR

$1,191/mo

4 BR

$1,464/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Aztec

Renting in Aztec, New Mexico is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $39,040/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $45,846, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($810/month) or studio ($683/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Aztec pushes the required income to $47,640.

For comfortable living in Aztec without financial stress, target a household income of at least $58,560 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for New Mexico'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 Aztec, New Mexico.

With a total population of 6,214, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,596 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,040 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

2,596

Active civilian employees in Aztec

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Aztec

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Aztec under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,040. The median household income in Aztec is $45,846.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Aztec on $45,846?

The affordability verdict for Aztec is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.5%, meaning median earners have a $6,806 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Aztec is $810/month. With a median household income of $45,846, residents spend approximately 25.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Aztec?

A studio in Aztec rents for approximately $683/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,320 to afford this.

Is Aztec considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $6,806 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Aztec is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,040 to the local median household income.

How Aztec Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements