Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lewiston?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lewiston, you need to earn at least $42,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $63,109, which means the typical resident is $20,229 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 34,270

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$750	$2,500	$30,000	$-33,109
1 Bedroom	$890	$2,967	$35,600	$-27,509
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,072	$3,573	$42,880	$-20,229
3 Bedroom	$1,308	$4,360	$52,320	$-10,789
4 Bedroom	$1,608	$5,360	$64,320	+$1,211

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$63,109

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$42,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$20,229

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lewiston's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,578

Studio

$750/mo

1 BR

$890/mo

2 BR

$1,072/mo

3 BR

$1,308/mo

4 BR

$1,608/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lewiston

Lewiston, Idaho stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $63,109 significantly exceeds the $42,880 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $20,229 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Lewiston, a studio at $750/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,308/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $52,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $64,320 would position you well — though many residents in Lewiston 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 Lewiston, Idaho.

With a total population of 34,270, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 16,381 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $42,880 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

16,381

Active civilian employees in Lewiston

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lewiston

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lewiston under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $42,880. The median household income in Lewiston is $63,109.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lewiston on $63,109?

The affordability verdict for Lewiston is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.4%, meaning median earners have a $20,229 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Lewiston is $890/month. With a median household income of $63,109, residents spend approximately 20.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lewiston?

A studio in Lewiston rents for approximately $750/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,000 to afford this.

Is Lewiston considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $20,229 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Lewiston is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $42,880 to the local median household income.

How Lewiston Compares

Other cities in Idaho with salary requirements