Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Challis?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Challis, you need to earn at least $28,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $35,921, which means the typical resident is $7,401 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 840

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$499	$1,663	$19,960	$-15,961
1 Bedroom	$592	$1,973	$23,680	$-12,241
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$713	$2,377	$28,520	$-7,401
3 Bedroom	$870	$2,900	$34,800	$-1,121
4 Bedroom	$1,070	$3,567	$42,800	+$6,879

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$35,921

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$28,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,401

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Challis's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$898

Studio

$499/mo

1 BR

$592/mo

2 BR

$713/mo

3 BR

$870/mo

4 BR

$1,070/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Challis

Living in Challis is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $7,401 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Challis typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Challis, a studio at $499/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $870/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $34,800.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $42,780 would position you well — though many residents in Challis 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 Challis, Idaho.

With a total population of 840, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 368 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $28,520 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

368

Active civilian employees in Challis

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Challis

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Challis under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $28,520. The median household income in Challis is $35,921.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Challis on $35,921?

The affordability verdict for Challis is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.8%, meaning median earners have a $7,401 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Challis is $592/month. With a median household income of $35,921, residents spend approximately 23.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Challis?

A studio in Challis rents for approximately $499/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $19,960 to afford this.

Is Challis considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,401 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Challis is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $28,520 to the local median household income.

How Challis Compares

Other cities in Idaho with salary requirements