Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in St. James?

To afford a 2-bedroom in St. James, you need to earn at least $98,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $142,448, which means the typical resident is $44,408 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 13,733

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,716	$5,720	$68,640	$-73,808
1 Bedroom	$2,034	$6,780	$81,360	$-61,088
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,451	$8,170	$98,040	$-44,408
3 Bedroom	$2,990	$9,967	$119,600	$-22,848
4 Bedroom	$3,677	$12,257	$147,080	+$4,632

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$142,448

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$98,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$44,408

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in St. James

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with St. James's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,561

Studio

$1,716/mo

1 BR

$2,034/mo

2 BR

$2,451/mo

3 BR

$2,990/mo

4 BR

$3,677/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in St. James.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to St. James

St. James, New York stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $142,448 significantly exceeds the $98,040 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $44,408 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating St. James, a studio at $1,716/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,990/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $119,600.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $147,060 would position you well — though many residents in St. James 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 St. James, New York.

With a total population of 13,733, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 6,879 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $98,040 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

6,879

Active civilian employees in St. James

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in St. James

What salary do I need to live in St. James, New York?

To afford a 2-bedroom in St. James under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $98,040. The median household income in St. James is $142,448.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in St. James on $142,448?

The affordability verdict for St. James is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.6%, meaning median earners have a $44,408 surplus.

What is the average rent in St. James compared to median income?

The median gross rent in St. James is $2,034/month. With a median household income of $142,448, residents spend approximately 20.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in St. James?

A studio in St. James rents for approximately $1,716/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $68,640 to afford this.

Is St. James considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $44,408 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", St. James is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $98,040 to the local median household income.

How St. James Compares

Other cities in New York with salary requirements