Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Buhl?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Buhl, you need to earn at least $30,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,307, which means the typical resident is $21,027 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,577

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$530	$1,767	$21,200	$-30,107
1 Bedroom	$628	$2,093	$25,120	$-26,187
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$757	$2,523	$30,280	$-21,027
3 Bedroom	$924	$3,080	$36,960	$-14,347
4 Bedroom	$1,136	$3,787	$45,440	$-5,867

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,307

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$30,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$21,027

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Buhl's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,283

Studio

$530/mo

1 BR

$628/mo

2 BR

$757/mo

3 BR

$924/mo

4 BR

$1,136/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Buhl

Buhl, Idaho stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $51,307 significantly exceeds the $30,280 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $21,027 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Buhl, a studio at $530/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $924/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $36,960.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $45,420 would position you well — though many residents in Buhl 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 Buhl, Idaho.

With a total population of 4,577, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,065 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $30,280 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

2,065

Active civilian employees in Buhl

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Buhl

What salary do I need to live in Buhl, Idaho?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Buhl under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $30,280. The median household income in Buhl is $51,307.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Buhl on $51,307?

The affordability verdict for Buhl is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.7%, meaning median earners have a $21,027 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Buhl is $628/month. With a median household income of $51,307, residents spend approximately 17.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Buhl?

A studio in Buhl rents for approximately $530/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,200 to afford this.

Is Buhl considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $21,027 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Buhl is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $30,280 to the local median household income.

How Buhl Compares

Other cities in Idaho with salary requirements