Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Matthews?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Matthews, you need to earn at least $72,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $103,405, which means the typical resident is $31,365 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 29,613

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,261	$4,203	$50,440	$-52,965
1 Bedroom	$1,495	$4,983	$59,800	$-43,605
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,801	$6,003	$72,040	$-31,365
3 Bedroom	$2,197	$7,323	$87,880	$-15,525
4 Bedroom	$2,702	$9,007	$108,080	+$4,675

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$103,405

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$72,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$31,365

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Matthews's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,585

Studio

$1,261/mo

1 BR

$1,495/mo

2 BR

$1,801/mo

3 BR

$2,197/mo

4 BR

$2,702/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Matthews

Matthews, North Carolina stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $103,405 significantly exceeds the $72,040 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $31,365 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Matthews, a studio at $1,261/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,197/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $87,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $108,060 would position you well — though many residents in Matthews 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 Matthews, North Carolina.

With a total population of 29,613, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 15,755 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $72,040 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

15,755

Active civilian employees in Matthews

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Matthews

What salary do I need to live in Matthews, North Carolina?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Matthews under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $72,040. The median household income in Matthews is $103,405.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Matthews on $103,405?

The affordability verdict for Matthews is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.9%, meaning median earners have a $31,365 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Matthews is $1,495/month. With a median household income of $103,405, residents spend approximately 20.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Matthews?

A studio in Matthews rents for approximately $1,261/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $50,440 to afford this.

Is Matthews considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $31,365 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Matthews is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $72,040 to the local median household income.

How Matthews Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements