Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lackawanna?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lackawanna, you need to earn at least $39,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,869, which means the typical resident is $7,869 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 19,762

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$683	$2,277	$27,320	$-19,549
1 Bedroom	$809	$2,697	$32,360	$-14,509
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$975	$3,250	$39,000	$-7,869
3 Bedroom	$1,190	$3,967	$47,600	+$731
4 Bedroom	$1,463	$4,877	$58,520	+$11,651

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,869

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,869

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 25.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lackawanna's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,172

Studio

$683/mo

1 BR

$809/mo

2 BR

$975/mo

3 BR

$1,190/mo

4 BR

$1,463/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lackawanna

Living in Lackawanna is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $7,869 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Lackawanna typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Lackawanna, a studio at $683/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,190/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $47,600.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $58,500 would position you well — though many residents in Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna, New York.

With a total population of 19,762, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 9,232 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,000 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

9,232

Active civilian employees in Lackawanna

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lackawanna

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lackawanna under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,000. The median household income in Lackawanna is $46,869.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lackawanna on $46,869?

The affordability verdict for Lackawanna is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.0%, meaning median earners have a $7,869 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Lackawanna is $809/month. With a median household income of $46,869, residents spend approximately 25.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lackawanna?

A studio in Lackawanna rents for approximately $683/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,320 to afford this.

Is Lackawanna considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,869 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Lackawanna is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,000 to the local median household income.

How Lackawanna Compares

Other cities in New York with salary requirements