Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Meadow Lakes?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Meadow Lakes, you need to earn at least $59,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $80,492, which means the typical resident is $20,532 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,773

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,049	$3,497	$41,960	$-38,532
1 Bedroom	$1,244	$4,147	$49,760	$-30,732
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,499	$4,997	$59,960	$-20,532
3 Bedroom	$1,829	$6,097	$73,160	$-7,332
4 Bedroom	$2,249	$7,497	$89,960	+$9,468

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$80,492

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$59,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$20,532

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Meadow Lakes

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Meadow Lakes's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,012

Studio

$1,049/mo

1 BR

$1,244/mo

2 BR

$1,499/mo

3 BR

$1,829/mo

4 BR

$2,249/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Meadow Lakes.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Meadow Lakes

Meadow Lakes, Alaska stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $80,492 significantly exceeds the $59,960 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $20,532 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Meadow Lakes, a studio at $1,049/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,829/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $73,160.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $89,940 would position you well — though many residents in Meadow Lakes 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 Meadow Lakes, Alaska.

With a total population of 8,773, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,708 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $59,960 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

3,708

Active civilian employees in Meadow Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Meadow Lakes

What salary do I need to live in Meadow Lakes, Alaska?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Meadow Lakes under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $59,960. The median household income in Meadow Lakes is $80,492.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Meadow Lakes on $80,492?

The affordability verdict for Meadow Lakes is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.3%, meaning median earners have a $20,532 surplus.

What is the average rent in Meadow Lakes compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Meadow Lakes is $1,244/month. With a median household income of $80,492, residents spend approximately 22.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Meadow Lakes?

A studio in Meadow Lakes rents for approximately $1,049/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $41,960 to afford this.

Is Meadow Lakes considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $20,532 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Meadow Lakes is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $59,960 to the local median household income.

How Meadow Lakes Compares

Other cities in Alaska with salary requirements