Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Massena?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Massena, you need to earn at least $32,480/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,161, which means the typical resident is $15,681 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 10,218

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$568	$1,893	$22,720	$-25,441
1 Bedroom	$674	$2,247	$26,960	$-21,201
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$812	$2,707	$32,480	$-15,681
3 Bedroom	$991	$3,303	$39,640	$-8,521
4 Bedroom	$1,218	$4,060	$48,720	+$559

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,161

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,480

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,681

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Massena's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,204

Studio

$568/mo

1 BR

$674/mo

2 BR

$812/mo

3 BR

$991/mo

4 BR

$1,218/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Massena

Living in Massena is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,681 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Massena typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Massena, a studio at $568/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $991/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $39,640.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $48,720 would position you well — though many residents in Massena 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 Massena, New York.

With a total population of 10,218, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,372 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,480 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

4,372

Active civilian employees in Massena

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Massena

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Massena under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,480. The median household income in Massena is $48,161.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Massena on $48,161?

The affordability verdict for Massena is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.2%, meaning median earners have a $15,681 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Massena is $674/month. With a median household income of $48,161, residents spend approximately 20.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Massena?

A studio in Massena rents for approximately $568/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,720 to afford this.

Is Massena considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,681 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Massena is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,480 to the local median household income.

How Massena Compares

Other cities in New York with salary requirements