Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Eielson AFB?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Eielson AFB, you need to earn at least $99,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,139, which means the typical resident is $34,661 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,071

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,747	$5,823	$69,880	+$4,741
1 Bedroom	$2,071	$6,903	$82,840	+$17,701
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,495	$8,317	$99,800	+$34,661
3 Bedroom	$3,044	$10,147	$121,760	+$56,621
4 Bedroom	$3,743	$12,477	$149,720	+$84,581

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,139

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$99,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$34,661

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 46.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Eielson AFB

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Eielson AFB's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,628

Studio

$1,747/mo

1 BR

$2,071/mo

2 BR

$2,495/mo

3 BR

$3,044/mo

4 BR

$3,743/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Eielson AFB.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Eielson AFB

Eielson AFB, Alaska is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $65,139 faces a staggering $34,661 deficit against the $99,800 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Eielson AFB, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,747/month, which requires $69,880/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$1,248/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Alaska city.

To live comfortably in Eielson AFB without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $149,700 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Alaska's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Eielson AFB, Alaska.

With a total population of 3,071, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 523 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $99,800 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

523

Active civilian employees in Eielson AFB

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Eielson AFB

What salary do I need to live in Eielson AFB, Alaska?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Eielson AFB under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $99,800. The median household income in Eielson AFB is $65,139.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Eielson AFB on $65,139?

The affordability verdict for Eielson AFB is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 46.0%, meaning there's a $34,661 income gap.

What is the average rent in Eielson AFB compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Eielson AFB is $2,071/month. With a median household income of $65,139, residents spend approximately 46.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Eielson AFB?

A studio in Eielson AFB rents for approximately $1,747/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $69,880 to afford this.

Is Eielson AFB considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $34,661 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Eielson AFB is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $99,800 to the local median household income.

How Eielson AFB Compares

Other cities in Alaska with salary requirements