Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Marietta-Alderwood?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Marietta-Alderwood, you need to earn at least $59,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $83,507, which means the typical resident is $23,787 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,304

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,045	$3,483	$41,800	$-41,707
1 Bedroom	$1,239	$4,130	$49,560	$-33,947
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,493	$4,977	$59,720	$-23,787
3 Bedroom	$1,821	$6,070	$72,840	$-10,667
4 Bedroom	$2,240	$7,467	$89,600	+$6,093

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$83,507

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$59,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$23,787

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Marietta-Alderwood

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Marietta-Alderwood's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,088

Studio

$1,045/mo

1 BR

$1,239/mo

2 BR

$1,493/mo

3 BR

$1,821/mo

4 BR

$2,240/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Marietta-Alderwood.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Marietta-Alderwood

Marietta-Alderwood, Washington stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $83,507 significantly exceeds the $59,720 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $23,787 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Marietta-Alderwood, a studio at $1,045/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,821/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $72,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $89,580 would position you well — though many residents in Marietta-Alderwood 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 Marietta-Alderwood, Washington.

With a total population of 3,304, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,728 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $59,720 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

1,728

Active civilian employees in Marietta-Alderwood

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Marietta-Alderwood

What salary do I need to live in Marietta-Alderwood, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Marietta-Alderwood under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $59,720. The median household income in Marietta-Alderwood is $83,507.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Marietta-Alderwood on $83,507?

The affordability verdict for Marietta-Alderwood is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.5%, meaning median earners have a $23,787 surplus.

What is the average rent in Marietta-Alderwood compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Marietta-Alderwood is $1,239/month. With a median household income of $83,507, residents spend approximately 21.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Marietta-Alderwood?

A studio in Marietta-Alderwood rents for approximately $1,045/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $41,800 to afford this.

Is Marietta-Alderwood considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $23,787 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Marietta-Alderwood is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $59,720 to the local median household income.

How Marietta-Alderwood Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements