Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Richmond, CA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 41.9% of gross income.
Richmond rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (California state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These California cities have lower median rent than Richmond, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Richmond
View full rent data for Richmond, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Richmond, CA?
Median rent in Richmond is $2,509 a month. A typical carpenter in California earns about $71,909 a year, which makes that rent 41.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Richmond?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in California (~$71,909/yr) supports up to $1,798 a month in rent. Richmond's current median rent is $2,509/mo, which is $711/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Richmond?
At an hourly equivalent of about $35 an hour, a carpenter in California works roughly 72.6 hours a month to cover Richmond's median rent of $2,509.
Where is rent cheaper than Richmond for a carpenter?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Garden Grove ($2,508/mo), Lake Elsinore ($2,508/mo), Concord ($2,508/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.