Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in La Cienega?

To afford a 2-bedroom in La Cienega, you need to earn at least $47,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $72,959, which means the typical resident is $25,639 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,948

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$828	$2,760	$33,120	$-39,839
1 Bedroom	$982	$3,273	$39,280	$-33,679
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,183	$3,943	$47,320	$-25,639
3 Bedroom	$1,443	$4,810	$57,720	$-15,239
4 Bedroom	$1,775	$5,917	$71,000	$-1,959

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$72,959

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$47,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$25,639

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in La Cienega

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with La Cienega's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,824

Studio

$828/mo

1 BR

$982/mo

2 BR

$1,183/mo

3 BR

$1,443/mo

4 BR

$1,775/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in La Cienega.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to La Cienega

La Cienega, New Mexico stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $72,959 significantly exceeds the $47,320 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $25,639 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating La Cienega, a studio at $828/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,443/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $57,720.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $70,980 would position you well — though many residents in La Cienega 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 La Cienega, New Mexico.

With a total population of 3,948, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,146 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $47,320 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

2,146

Active civilian employees in La Cienega

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in La Cienega

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in La Cienega under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $47,320. The median household income in La Cienega is $72,959.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in La Cienega on $72,959?

The affordability verdict for La Cienega is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.5%, meaning median earners have a $25,639 surplus.

What is the average rent in La Cienega compared to median income?

The median gross rent in La Cienega is $982/month. With a median household income of $72,959, residents spend approximately 19.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in La Cienega?

A studio in La Cienega rents for approximately $828/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $33,120 to afford this.

Is La Cienega considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $25,639 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", La Cienega is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $47,320 to the local median household income.

How La Cienega Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements