Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Mattoon?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mattoon, you need to earn at least $35,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,953, which means the typical resident is $10,273 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 16,830

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$624	$2,080	$24,960	$-20,993
1 Bedroom	$740	$2,467	$29,600	$-16,353
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$892	$2,973	$35,680	$-10,273
3 Bedroom	$1,088	$3,627	$43,520	$-2,433
4 Bedroom	$1,338	$4,460	$53,520	+$7,567

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,953

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$10,273

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Mattoon's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,149

Studio

$624/mo

1 BR

$740/mo

2 BR

$892/mo

3 BR

$1,088/mo

4 BR

$1,338/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Mattoon

Living in Mattoon is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $10,273 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Mattoon typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Mattoon, a studio at $624/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,088/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $43,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $53,520 would position you well — though many residents in Mattoon 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 Mattoon, Illinois.

With a total population of 16,830, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,773 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,680 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

7,773

Active civilian employees in Mattoon

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Mattoon

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mattoon under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,680. The median household income in Mattoon is $45,953.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Mattoon on $45,953?

The affordability verdict for Mattoon is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.3%, meaning median earners have a $10,273 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Mattoon is $740/month. With a median household income of $45,953, residents spend approximately 23.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Mattoon?

A studio in Mattoon rents for approximately $624/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,960 to afford this.

Is Mattoon considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $10,273 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Mattoon is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,680 to the local median household income.

How Mattoon Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements