Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hailey?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hailey, you need to earn at least $52,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $77,035, which means the typical resident is $24,275 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 9,238

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$923	$3,077	$36,920	$-40,115
1 Bedroom	$1,095	$3,650	$43,800	$-33,235
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,319	$4,397	$52,760	$-24,275
3 Bedroom	$1,609	$5,363	$64,360	$-12,675
4 Bedroom	$1,979	$6,597	$79,160	+$2,125

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$77,035

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$24,275

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hailey's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,926

Studio

$923/mo

1 BR

$1,095/mo

2 BR

$1,319/mo

3 BR

$1,609/mo

4 BR

$1,979/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hailey

Hailey, Idaho stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $77,035 significantly exceeds the $52,760 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $24,275 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Hailey, a studio at $923/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,609/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $64,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $79,140 would position you well — though many residents in Hailey 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 Hailey, Idaho.

With a total population of 9,238, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,218 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,760 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

5,218

Active civilian employees in Hailey

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hailey

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hailey under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,760. The median household income in Hailey is $77,035.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hailey on $77,035?

The affordability verdict for Hailey is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.5%, meaning median earners have a $24,275 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Hailey is $1,095/month. With a median household income of $77,035, residents spend approximately 20.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hailey?

A studio in Hailey rents for approximately $923/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,920 to afford this.

Is Hailey considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $24,275 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Hailey is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,760 to the local median household income.

How Hailey Compares

Other cities in Idaho with salary requirements