Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Scotts Valley, CA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 81.8% of gross income.
Scotts Valley 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 Scotts Valley, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Scotts Valley
View full rent data for Scotts Valley, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Scotts Valley, CA?
Median rent in Scotts Valley is $4,278 a month. A typical paramedic in California earns about $62,752 a year, which makes that rent 81.8% 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 Scotts Valley?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in California (~$62,752/yr) supports up to $1,569 a month in rent. Scotts Valley's current median rent is $4,278/mo, which is $2,709/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Scotts Valley?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a paramedic in California works roughly 141.8 hours a month to cover Scotts Valley's median rent of $4,278.
Where is rent cheaper than Scotts Valley for a paramedic?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Altadena ($4,275/mo), Carmel-by-the-Sea ($4,269/mo), Cupertino ($4,267/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.