Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Grants?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Grants, you need to earn at least $39,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $55,631, which means the typical resident is $16,351 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 9,177

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$687	$2,290	$27,480	$-28,151
1 Bedroom	$815	$2,717	$32,600	$-23,031
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$982	$3,273	$39,280	$-16,351
3 Bedroom	$1,198	$3,993	$47,920	$-7,711
4 Bedroom	$1,473	$4,910	$58,920	+$3,289

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$55,631

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$16,351

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Grants's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,391

Studio

$687/mo

1 BR

$815/mo

2 BR

$982/mo

3 BR

$1,198/mo

4 BR

$1,473/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Grants

Living in Grants is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $16,351 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Grants typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Grants, a studio at $687/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,198/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $47,920.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $58,920 would position you well — though many residents in Grants 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 Grants, New Mexico.

With a total population of 9,177, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,248 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,280 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

3,248

Active civilian employees in Grants

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Grants

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Grants under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,280. The median household income in Grants is $55,631.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Grants on $55,631?

The affordability verdict for Grants is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.2%, meaning median earners have a $16,351 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Grants is $815/month. With a median household income of $55,631, residents spend approximately 21.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Grants?

A studio in Grants rents for approximately $687/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,480 to afford this.

Is Grants considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $16,351 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Grants is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,280 to the local median household income.

How Grants Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements