Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Belen?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Belen, you need to earn at least $40,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $38,838, which means the typical resident is $1,202 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 7,367

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$701	$2,337	$28,040	$-10,798
1 Bedroom	$831	$2,770	$33,240	$-5,598
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,001	$3,337	$40,040	+$1,202
3 Bedroom	$1,221	$4,070	$48,840	+$10,002
4 Bedroom	$1,502	$5,007	$60,080	+$21,242

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$38,838

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$1,202

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Belen's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$971

Studio

$701/mo

1 BR

$831/mo

2 BR

$1,001/mo

3 BR

$1,221/mo

4 BR

$1,502/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Belen

Renting in Belen is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $1,202, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $701/month.

If you're relocating to Belen, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($701–$831/month) unless your income exceeds $40,040. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $501/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Belen is approximately $60,060. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Belen, New Mexico.

With a total population of 7,367, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,657 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,040 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

2,657

Active civilian employees in Belen

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Belen

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Belen under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,040. The median household income in Belen is $38,838.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Belen on $38,838?

The affordability verdict for Belen is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.9%, meaning there's a $1,202 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Belen is $831/month. With a median household income of $38,838, residents spend approximately 30.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Belen?

A studio in Belen rents for approximately $701/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,040 to afford this.

Is Belen considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $1,202 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Belen is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,040 to the local median household income.

How Belen Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements