Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Houston?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Houston, you need to earn at least $37,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $53,750, which means the typical resident is $16,590 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,613

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$650	$2,167	$26,000	$-27,750
1 Bedroom	$771	$2,570	$30,840	$-22,910
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$929	$3,097	$37,160	$-16,590
3 Bedroom	$1,133	$3,777	$45,320	$-8,430
4 Bedroom	$1,394	$4,647	$55,760	+$2,010

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$53,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$16,590

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Houston's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,344

Studio

$650/mo

1 BR

$771/mo

2 BR

$929/mo

3 BR

$1,133/mo

4 BR

$1,394/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Houston

Living in Houston is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $16,590 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Houston typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Houston, a studio at $650/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,133/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,740 would position you well — though many residents in Houston 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 Houston, Alaska.

With a total population of 1,613, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 694 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,160 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

694

Active civilian employees in Houston

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Houston

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Houston under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,160. The median household income in Houston is $53,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Houston on $53,750?

The affordability verdict for Houston is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.7%, meaning median earners have a $16,590 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Houston is $771/month. With a median household income of $53,750, residents spend approximately 20.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Houston?

A studio in Houston rents for approximately $650/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,000 to afford this.

Is Houston considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $16,590 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Houston is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,160 to the local median household income.

How Houston Compares

Other cities in Alaska with salary requirements