Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ithaca?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ithaca, you need to earn at least $67,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,468, which means the typical resident is $21,572 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 31,359

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,173	$3,910	$46,920	+$1,452
1 Bedroom	$1,391	$4,637	$55,640	+$10,172
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,676	$5,587	$67,040	+$21,572
3 Bedroom	$2,045	$6,817	$81,800	+$36,332
4 Bedroom	$2,514	$8,380	$100,560	+$55,092

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,468

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$67,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$21,572

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 44.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ithaca's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,137

Studio

$1,173/mo

1 BR

$1,391/mo

2 BR

$1,676/mo

3 BR

$2,045/mo

4 BR

$2,514/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ithaca

Ithaca, New York is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $45,468 faces a staggering $21,572 deficit against the $67,040 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Ithaca, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,173/month, which requires $46,920/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$838/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable New York city.

To live comfortably in Ithaca without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $100,560 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for New York's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Ithaca, New York.

With a total population of 31,359, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 14,834 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $67,040 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

14,834

Active civilian employees in Ithaca

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ithaca

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ithaca under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $67,040. The median household income in Ithaca is $45,468.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ithaca on $45,468?

The affordability verdict for Ithaca is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 44.2%, meaning there's a $21,572 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Ithaca is $1,391/month. With a median household income of $45,468, residents spend approximately 44.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ithaca?

A studio in Ithaca rents for approximately $1,173/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $46,920 to afford this.

Is Ithaca considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $21,572 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Ithaca is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $67,040 to the local median household income.

How Ithaca Compares

Other cities in New York with salary requirements