What Salary Do You Need to Live in Odessa?
To afford a 2-bedroom in Odessa, you need to earn at least $56,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $87,321, which means the typical resident is $30,401 above the threshold.
Salary Required by Bedroom Size
| Bedroom | Monthly Rent | Monthly Income | Annual Salary | vs. Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $996 | $3,320 | $39,840 | $-47,481 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 | $3,937 | $47,240 | $-40,081 |
| 2 Bedroom BENCHMARK | $1,423 | $4,743 | $56,920 | $-30,401 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,736 | $5,787 | $69,440 | $-17,881 |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,135 | $7,117 | $85,400 | $-1,921 |
Affordability Breakdown
Where the required salary line crosses above Odessa's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.
Income vs. Rent Snapshot
Median Income
$87,321
Annual household
2BR Required Salary
$56,920
Under 30% rule
Income Gap
+$30,401
Surplus
Verdict
Affordable
Ratio: 19.6%
The 30% Rule Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Odessa
Pre-filled with Odessa's median household income
Studio
$996/mo
1 BR
$1,181/mo
2 BR
$1,423/mo
3 BR
$1,736/mo
4 BR
$2,135/mo
Salary Comparison by Bedroom
Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Odessa's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.
What This Means If You're Moving to Odessa
Odessa, Delaware stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $87,321 significantly exceeds the $56,920 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $30,401 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.
For remote workers or relocators evaluating Odessa, a studio at $996/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,736/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $69,440.
To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $85,380 would position you well — though many residents in Odessa manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.
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 Odessa, Delaware.
With a total population of 389, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 166 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $56,920 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
166
Active civilian employees in Odessa
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Odessa
What salary do I need to live in Odessa, Delaware?
Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Odessa on $87,321?
What is the average rent in Odessa compared to median income?
What salary do I need for a studio in Odessa?
Is Odessa considered an affordable place to live?
How Odessa Compares
Other cities in Delaware with salary requirements