Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Bethel?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bethel, you need to earn at least $74,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $100,852, which means the typical resident is $26,332 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,312

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,304	$4,347	$52,160	$-48,692
1 Bedroom	$1,546	$5,153	$61,840	$-39,012
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,863	$6,210	$74,520	$-26,332
3 Bedroom	$2,273	$7,577	$90,920	$-9,932
4 Bedroom	$2,795	$9,317	$111,800	+$10,948

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$100,852

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$74,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$26,332

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Bethel's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,521

Studio

$1,304/mo

1 BR

$1,546/mo

2 BR

$1,863/mo

3 BR

$2,273/mo

4 BR

$2,795/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Bethel

Bethel, Alaska stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $100,852 significantly exceeds the $74,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $26,332 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Bethel, a studio at $1,304/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,273/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $90,920.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $111,780 would position you well — though many residents in Bethel manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

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 Bethel, Alaska.

With a total population of 6,312, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,790 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $74,520 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

2,790

Active civilian employees in Bethel

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Bethel

What salary do I need to live in Bethel, Alaska?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bethel under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $74,520. The median household income in Bethel is $100,852.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Bethel on $100,852?

The affordability verdict for Bethel is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.2%, meaning median earners have a $26,332 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Bethel is $1,546/month. With a median household income of $100,852, residents spend approximately 22.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Bethel?

A studio in Bethel rents for approximately $1,304/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $52,160 to afford this.

Is Bethel considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $26,332 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Bethel is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $74,520 to the local median household income.

How Bethel Compares

Other cities in Alaska with salary requirements