Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Rome?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Rome, you need to earn at least $41,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $56,901, which means the typical resident is $15,101 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 32,031

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$732	$2,440	$29,280	$-27,621
1 Bedroom	$867	$2,890	$34,680	$-22,221
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,045	$3,483	$41,800	$-15,101
3 Bedroom	$1,275	$4,250	$51,000	$-5,901
4 Bedroom	$1,568	$5,227	$62,720	+$5,819

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$56,901

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,101

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Rome's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,423

Studio

$732/mo

1 BR

$867/mo

2 BR

$1,045/mo

3 BR

$1,275/mo

4 BR

$1,568/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Rome

Living in Rome is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,101 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Rome typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Rome, a studio at $732/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,275/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $51,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $62,700 would position you well — though many residents in Rome 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 Rome, New York.

With a total population of 32,031, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 13,085 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,800 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

13,085

Active civilian employees in Rome

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Rome

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Rome under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,800. The median household income in Rome is $56,901.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Rome on $56,901?

The affordability verdict for Rome is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.0%, meaning median earners have a $15,101 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Rome is $867/month. With a median household income of $56,901, residents spend approximately 22.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Rome?

A studio in Rome rents for approximately $732/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,280 to afford this.

Is Rome considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,101 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Rome is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,800 to the local median household income.

How Rome Compares

Other cities in New York with salary requirements