Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Saint Helens, OR?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.1% of gross income.
Saint Helens rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Oregon 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 Oregon cities have lower median rent than Saint Helens, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Saint Helens
View full rent data for Saint Helens, OR →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Saint Helens, OR?
Median rent in Saint Helens is $1,698 a month. A typical carpenter in Oregon earns about $63,378 a year, which makes that rent 32.1% 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 Saint Helens?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Oregon (~$63,378/yr) supports up to $1,584 a month in rent. Saint Helens's current median rent is $1,698/mo, which is $114/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Saint Helens?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a carpenter in Oregon works roughly 55.7 hours a month to cover Saint Helens's median rent of $1,698.
Where is rent cheaper than Saint Helens for a carpenter?
Nearby Oregon cities with lower median rent include Independence ($1,697/mo), Tualatin ($1,697/mo), Independence ($1,697/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.