Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Austin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Austin, you need to earn at least $36,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $29,880, which means the typical resident is $6,400 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,596

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$635	$2,117	$25,400	$-4,480
1 Bedroom	$753	$2,510	$30,120	+$240
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$907	$3,023	$36,280	+$6,400
3 Bedroom	$1,107	$3,690	$44,280	+$14,400
4 Bedroom	$1,361	$4,537	$54,440	+$24,560

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$29,880

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$6,400

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 36.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Austin's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$747

Studio

$635/mo

1 BR

$753/mo

2 BR

$907/mo

3 BR

$1,107/mo

4 BR

$1,361/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Austin

Austin's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $907/month requires $36,280/year — about $6,400 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Austin, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($635–$753/month) unless your income exceeds $36,280. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $454/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Austin is approximately $54,420. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Austin, Indiana.

With a total population of 3,596, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,704 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,280 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

1,704

Active civilian employees in Austin

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Austin

What salary do I need to live in Austin, Indiana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Austin under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,280. The median household income in Austin is $29,880.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Austin on $29,880?

The affordability verdict for Austin is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 36.4%, meaning there's a $6,400 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Austin is $753/month. With a median household income of $29,880, residents spend approximately 36.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Austin?

A studio in Austin rents for approximately $635/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,400 to afford this.

Is Austin considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $6,400 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Austin is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,280 to the local median household income.

How Austin Compares

Other cities in Indiana with salary requirements