Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kenmore?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kenmore, you need to earn at least $89,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $132,191, which means the typical resident is $43,031 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 23,611

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,560	$5,200	$62,400	$-69,791
1 Bedroom	$1,850	$6,167	$74,000	$-58,191
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,229	$7,430	$89,160	$-43,031
3 Bedroom	$2,719	$9,063	$108,760	$-23,431
4 Bedroom	$3,344	$11,147	$133,760	+$1,569

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$132,191

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$89,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$43,031

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kenmore's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,305

Studio

$1,560/mo

1 BR

$1,850/mo

2 BR

$2,229/mo

3 BR

$2,719/mo

4 BR

$3,344/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kenmore

Kenmore, Washington stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $132,191 significantly exceeds the $89,160 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $43,031 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Kenmore, a studio at $1,560/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,719/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $108,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $133,740 would position you well — though many residents in Kenmore 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 Kenmore, Washington.

With a total population of 23,611, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 12,833 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $89,160 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

12,833

Active civilian employees in Kenmore

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kenmore

What salary do I need to live in Kenmore, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kenmore under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $89,160. The median household income in Kenmore is $132,191.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kenmore on $132,191?

The affordability verdict for Kenmore is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.2%, meaning median earners have a $43,031 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Kenmore is $1,850/month. With a median household income of $132,191, residents spend approximately 20.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kenmore?

A studio in Kenmore rents for approximately $1,560/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $62,400 to afford this.

Is Kenmore considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $43,031 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Kenmore is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $89,160 to the local median household income.

How Kenmore Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements