Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Imperial, CA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.4% of gross income.
Imperial rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (California state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These California cities have lower median rent than Imperial, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Imperial
View full rent data for Imperial, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Imperial, CA?
Median rent in Imperial is $2,138 a month. A typical plumber in California earns about $79,178 a year, which makes that rent 32.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Imperial?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in California (~$79,178/yr) supports up to $1,979 a month in rent. Imperial's current median rent is $2,138/mo, which is $159/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Imperial?
At an hourly equivalent of about $38 an hour, a plumber in California works roughly 56.2 hours a month to cover Imperial's median rent of $2,138.
Where is rent cheaper than Imperial for a plumber?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Grass Valley ($2,137/mo), Victorville ($2,137/mo), Vallejo ($2,136/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.