Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Durango?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Durango, you need to earn at least $67,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $76,177, which means the typical resident is $8,497 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 19,148

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,184	$3,947	$47,360	$-28,817
1 Bedroom	$1,404	$4,680	$56,160	$-20,017
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,692	$5,640	$67,680	$-8,497
3 Bedroom	$2,064	$6,880	$82,560	+$6,383
4 Bedroom	$2,538	$8,460	$101,520	+$25,343

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$76,177

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$67,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,497

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Durango's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,904

Studio

$1,184/mo

1 BR

$1,404/mo

2 BR

$1,692/mo

3 BR

$2,064/mo

4 BR

$2,538/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Durango

Renting in Durango, Colorado is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $67,680/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $76,177, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,404/month) or studio ($1,184/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Durango pushes the required income to $82,560.

For comfortable living in Durango without financial stress, target a household income of at least $101,520 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Colorado's cost of living.

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 Durango, Colorado.

With a total population of 19,148, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,007 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $67,680 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

11,007

Active civilian employees in Durango

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Durango

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Durango under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $67,680. The median household income in Durango is $76,177.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Durango on $76,177?

The affordability verdict for Durango is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.7%, meaning median earners have a $8,497 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Durango is $1,404/month. With a median household income of $76,177, residents spend approximately 26.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Durango?

A studio in Durango rents for approximately $1,184/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $47,360 to afford this.

Is Durango considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,497 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Durango is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $67,680 to the local median household income.

How Durango Compares

Other cities in Colorado with salary requirements