Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in New Meadows?

To afford a 2-bedroom in New Meadows, you need to earn at least $38,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $60,278, which means the typical resident is $22,118 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 293

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$668	$2,227	$26,720	$-33,558
1 Bedroom	$792	$2,640	$31,680	$-28,598
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$954	$3,180	$38,160	$-22,118
3 Bedroom	$1,164	$3,880	$46,560	$-13,718
4 Bedroom	$1,431	$4,770	$57,240	$-3,038

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$60,278

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$22,118

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in New Meadows

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with New Meadows's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,507

Studio

$668/mo

1 BR

$792/mo

2 BR

$954/mo

3 BR

$1,164/mo

4 BR

$1,431/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in New Meadows.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to New Meadows

New Meadows, Idaho stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $60,278 significantly exceeds the $38,160 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $22,118 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating New Meadows, a studio at $668/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,164/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $46,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $57,240 would position you well — though many residents in New Meadows 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 New Meadows, Idaho.

With a total population of 293, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 147 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,160 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

147

Active civilian employees in New Meadows

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in New Meadows

What salary do I need to live in New Meadows, Idaho?

To afford a 2-bedroom in New Meadows under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,160. The median household income in New Meadows is $60,278.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in New Meadows on $60,278?

The affordability verdict for New Meadows is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.0%, meaning median earners have a $22,118 surplus.

What is the average rent in New Meadows compared to median income?

The median gross rent in New Meadows is $792/month. With a median household income of $60,278, residents spend approximately 19.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in New Meadows?

A studio in New Meadows rents for approximately $668/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,720 to afford this.

Is New Meadows considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $22,118 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", New Meadows is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,160 to the local median household income.

How New Meadows Compares

Other cities in Idaho with salary requirements