Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Somerville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Somerville, you need to earn at least $36,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $41,012, which means the typical resident is $4,332 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 671

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$642	$2,140	$25,680	$-15,332
1 Bedroom	$761	$2,537	$30,440	$-10,572
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$917	$3,057	$36,680	$-4,332
3 Bedroom	$1,119	$3,730	$44,760	+$3,748
4 Bedroom	$1,376	$4,587	$55,040	+$14,028

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Somerville's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$41,012

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$4,332

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Somerville

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Somerville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,025

Studio

$642/mo

1 BR

$761/mo

2 BR

$917/mo

3 BR

$1,119/mo

4 BR

$1,376/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Somerville.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Somerville's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Somerville

Somerville is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $4,332. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($761/month) or studio ($642/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Somerville pushes the required income to $44,760.

For comfortable living in Somerville without financial stress, target a household income of at least $55,020 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Alabama's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Somerville, Alabama.

With a total population of 671, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 276 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,680 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

276

Active civilian employees in Somerville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Somerville

What salary do I need to live in Somerville, Alabama?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Somerville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,680. The median household income in Somerville is $41,012.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Somerville on $41,012?

The affordability verdict for Somerville is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.8%, meaning median earners have a $4,332 surplus.

What is the average rent in Somerville compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Somerville is $761/month. With a median household income of $41,012, residents spend approximately 26.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Somerville?

A studio in Somerville rents for approximately $642/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,680 to afford this.

Is Somerville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $4,332 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Somerville is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,680 to the local median household income.

How Somerville Compares

Other cities in Alabama with salary requirements