Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Mesilla?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mesilla, you need to earn at least $44,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,809, which means the typical resident is $21,649 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,647

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$773	$2,577	$30,920	$-34,889
1 Bedroom	$916	$3,053	$36,640	$-29,169
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,104	$3,680	$44,160	$-21,649
3 Bedroom	$1,347	$4,490	$53,880	$-11,929
4 Bedroom	$1,656	$5,520	$66,240	+$431

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,809

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$21,649

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Mesilla's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,645

Studio

$773/mo

1 BR

$916/mo

2 BR

$1,104/mo

3 BR

$1,347/mo

4 BR

$1,656/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Mesilla

Mesilla, New Mexico stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $65,809 significantly exceeds the $44,160 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $21,649 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Mesilla, a studio at $773/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,347/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $53,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $66,240 would position you well — though many residents in Mesilla 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 Mesilla, New Mexico.

With a total population of 1,647, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 767 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,160 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

767

Active civilian employees in Mesilla

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Mesilla

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mesilla under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,160. The median household income in Mesilla is $65,809.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Mesilla on $65,809?

The affordability verdict for Mesilla is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.1%, meaning median earners have a $21,649 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Mesilla is $916/month. With a median household income of $65,809, residents spend approximately 20.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Mesilla?

A studio in Mesilla rents for approximately $773/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,920 to afford this.

Is Mesilla considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $21,649 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Mesilla is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,160 to the local median household income.

How Mesilla Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements