Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Malibu, CA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 199.5% of gross income.
Malibu 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 Malibu, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Malibu
View full rent data for Malibu, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Malibu, CA?
Median rent in Malibu is $13,161 a month. A typical plumber in California earns about $79,178 a year, which makes that rent 199.5% 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 Malibu?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in California (~$79,178/yr) supports up to $1,979 a month in rent. Malibu's current median rent is $13,161/mo, which is $11,182/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Malibu?
At an hourly equivalent of about $38 an hour, a plumber in California works roughly 345.7 hours a month to cover Malibu's median rent of $13,161.
Where is rent cheaper than Malibu for a plumber?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Isla Vista ($9,714/mo), Isla Vista ($9,682/mo), Isla Vista ($9,431/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.