Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Albia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Albia, you need to earn at least $37,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $58,894, which means the typical resident is $21,494 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,705

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$655	$2,183	$26,200	$-32,694
1 Bedroom	$776	$2,587	$31,040	$-27,854
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$935	$3,117	$37,400	$-21,494
3 Bedroom	$1,141	$3,803	$45,640	$-13,254
4 Bedroom	$1,403	$4,677	$56,120	$-2,774

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$58,894

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$21,494

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Albia's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,472

Studio

$655/mo

1 BR

$776/mo

2 BR

$935/mo

3 BR

$1,141/mo

4 BR

$1,403/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Albia

Albia, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $58,894 significantly exceeds the $37,400 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $21,494 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Albia, a studio at $655/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,141/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,640.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $56,100 would position you well — though many residents in Albia 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 Albia, Iowa.

With a total population of 3,705, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,758 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,400 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

1,758

Active civilian employees in Albia

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Albia

What salary do I need to live in Albia, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Albia under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,400. The median household income in Albia is $58,894.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Albia on $58,894?

The affordability verdict for Albia is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.1%, meaning median earners have a $21,494 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Albia is $776/month. With a median household income of $58,894, residents spend approximately 19.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Albia?

A studio in Albia rents for approximately $655/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,200 to afford this.

Is Albia considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $21,494 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Albia is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,400 to the local median household income.

How Albia Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements