Can A Physical Therapist Afford Rent in San Rafael, CA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.5% of gross income.
San Rafael rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (California state estimate).
About rent and a physical therapist salary
Physical therapist pay covers comfortable rent across most US metros. At the national-average PT salary, the 30% rule supports about $2,493 a month in rent, which is above the median in most cities tracked here.
Cheaper rent nearby
These California cities have lower median rent than San Rafael, which improves the affordability math on a physical therapist salary:
Compare with full rent data for San Rafael
View full rent data for San Rafael, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a physical therapist afford rent in San Rafael, CA?
Median rent in San Rafael is $2,992 a month. A typical physical therapist in California earns about $117,658 a year, which makes that rent 30.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a physical therapist afford in San Rafael?
Using the 30% rule, a physical therapist salary in California (~$117,658/yr) supports up to $2,941 a month in rent. San Rafael's current median rent is $2,992/mo, which is $51/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a physical therapist work to cover rent in San Rafael?
At an hourly equivalent of about $57 an hour, a physical therapist in California works roughly 52.9 hours a month to cover San Rafael's median rent of $2,992.
Where is rent cheaper than San Rafael for a physical therapist?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include San Bruno ($2,991/mo), Huntington Beach ($2,991/mo), Livermore ($2,991/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a physical therapist salary.