Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Centennial?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Centennial, you need to earn at least $93,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $124,617, which means the typical resident is $30,697 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 107,702

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,644	$5,480	$65,760	$-58,857
1 Bedroom	$1,949	$6,497	$77,960	$-46,657
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,348	$7,827	$93,920	$-30,697
3 Bedroom	$2,865	$9,550	$114,600	$-10,017
4 Bedroom	$3,522	$11,740	$140,880	+$16,263

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$124,617

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$93,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$30,697

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Centennial's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,115

Studio

$1,644/mo

1 BR

$1,949/mo

2 BR

$2,348/mo

3 BR

$2,865/mo

4 BR

$3,522/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Centennial

Centennial, Colorado stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $124,617 significantly exceeds the $93,920 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $30,697 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Centennial, a studio at $1,644/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,865/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $114,600.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $140,880 would position you well — though many residents in Centennial 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 Centennial, Colorado.

With a total population of 107,702, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 57,835 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $93,920 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

57,835

Active civilian employees in Centennial

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Centennial

What salary do I need to live in Centennial, Colorado?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Centennial under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $93,920. The median household income in Centennial is $124,617.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Centennial on $124,617?

The affordability verdict for Centennial is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.6%, meaning median earners have a $30,697 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Centennial is $1,949/month. With a median household income of $124,617, residents spend approximately 22.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Centennial?

A studio in Centennial rents for approximately $1,644/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $65,760 to afford this.

Is Centennial considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $30,697 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Centennial is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $93,920 to the local median household income.

How Centennial Compares

Other cities in Colorado with salary requirements