Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Cedar Crest?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cedar Crest, you need to earn at least $41,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $106,550, which means the typical resident is $65,150 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 919

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$725	$2,417	$29,000	$-77,550
1 Bedroom	$859	$2,863	$34,360	$-72,190
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,035	$3,450	$41,400	$-65,150
3 Bedroom	$1,263	$4,210	$50,520	$-56,030
4 Bedroom	$1,553	$5,177	$62,120	$-44,430

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$106,550

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$65,150

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 11.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Cedar Crest

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Cedar Crest's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,664

Studio

$725/mo

1 BR

$859/mo

2 BR

$1,035/mo

3 BR

$1,263/mo

4 BR

$1,553/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Cedar Crest.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Cedar Crest

Cedar Crest, New Mexico stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $106,550 significantly exceeds the $41,400 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $65,150 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Cedar Crest, a studio at $725/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,263/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $50,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $62,100 would position you well — though many residents in Cedar Crest 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 Cedar Crest, New Mexico.

With a total population of 919, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 422 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,400 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

422

Active civilian employees in Cedar Crest

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Cedar Crest

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cedar Crest under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,400. The median household income in Cedar Crest is $106,550.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Cedar Crest on $106,550?

The affordability verdict for Cedar Crest is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 11.7%, meaning median earners have a $65,150 surplus.

What is the average rent in Cedar Crest compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Cedar Crest is $859/month. With a median household income of $106,550, residents spend approximately 11.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Cedar Crest?

A studio in Cedar Crest rents for approximately $725/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,000 to afford this.

Is Cedar Crest considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $65,150 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Cedar Crest is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,400 to the local median household income.

How Cedar Crest Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements