Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hillcrest?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hillcrest, you need to earn at least $99,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $119,375, which means the typical resident is $19,695 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,178

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,744	$5,813	$69,760	$-49,615
1 Bedroom	$2,068	$6,893	$82,720	$-36,655
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,492	$8,307	$99,680	$-19,695
3 Bedroom	$3,040	$10,133	$121,600	+$2,225
4 Bedroom	$3,738	$12,460	$149,520	+$30,145

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$119,375

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$99,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,695

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hillcrest's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,984

Studio

$1,744/mo

1 BR

$2,068/mo

2 BR

$2,492/mo

3 BR

$3,040/mo

4 BR

$3,738/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hillcrest

Renting in Hillcrest, New York is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $99,680/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $119,375, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($2,068/month) or studio ($1,744/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Hillcrest pushes the required income to $121,600.

For comfortable living in Hillcrest without financial stress, target a household income of at least $149,520 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for New York's cost of living.

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 Hillcrest, New York.

With a total population of 8,178, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,082 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $99,680 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

4,082

Active civilian employees in Hillcrest

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hillcrest

What salary do I need to live in Hillcrest, New York?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hillcrest under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $99,680. The median household income in Hillcrest is $119,375.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hillcrest on $119,375?

The affordability verdict for Hillcrest is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.1%, meaning median earners have a $19,695 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Hillcrest is $2,068/month. With a median household income of $119,375, residents spend approximately 25.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hillcrest?

A studio in Hillcrest rents for approximately $1,744/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $69,760 to afford this.

Is Hillcrest considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,695 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Hillcrest is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $99,680 to the local median household income.

How Hillcrest Compares

Other cities in New York with salary requirements