Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in San Rafael, CA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 59.3% of gross income.
San Rafael rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (California state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These California cities have lower median rent than San Rafael, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for San Rafael
View full rent data for San Rafael, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in San Rafael, CA?
Median rent in San Rafael is $3,100 a month. A typical paramedic in California earns about $62,752 a year, which makes that rent 59.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in San Rafael?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in California (~$62,752/yr) supports up to $1,569 a month in rent. San Rafael's current median rent is $3,100/mo, which is $1,531/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in San Rafael?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a paramedic in California works roughly 102.8 hours a month to cover San Rafael's median rent of $3,100.
Where is rent cheaper than San Rafael for a paramedic?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Carson ($3,098/mo), Ladera Ranch ($3,098/mo), Diamond Bar ($3,098/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.