Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Livingston?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Livingston, you need to earn at least $28,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $57,614, which means the typical resident is $28,894 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 770

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$503	$1,677	$20,120	$-37,494
1 Bedroom	$596	$1,987	$23,840	$-33,774
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$718	$2,393	$28,720	$-28,894
3 Bedroom	$876	$2,920	$35,040	$-22,574
4 Bedroom	$1,077	$3,590	$43,080	$-14,534

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$57,614

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$28,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$28,894

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 15.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Livingston's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,440

Studio

$503/mo

1 BR

$596/mo

2 BR

$718/mo

3 BR

$876/mo

4 BR

$1,077/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Livingston

Livingston, Illinois stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $57,614 significantly exceeds the $28,720 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $28,894 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Livingston, a studio at $503/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $876/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $35,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $43,080 would position you well — though many residents in Livingston 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 Livingston, Illinois.

With a total population of 770, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 320 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $28,720 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

320

Active civilian employees in Livingston

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Livingston

What salary do I need to live in Livingston, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Livingston under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $28,720. The median household income in Livingston is $57,614.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Livingston on $57,614?

The affordability verdict for Livingston is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 15.0%, meaning median earners have a $28,894 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Livingston is $596/month. With a median household income of $57,614, residents spend approximately 15.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Livingston?

A studio in Livingston rents for approximately $503/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,120 to afford this.

Is Livingston considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $28,894 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Livingston is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $28,720 to the local median household income.

How Livingston Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements