Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ames?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ames, you need to earn at least $48,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $57,428, which means the typical resident is $8,708 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 66,265

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$853	$2,843	$34,120	$-23,308
1 Bedroom	$1,011	$3,370	$40,440	$-16,988
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,218	$4,060	$48,720	$-8,708
3 Bedroom	$1,486	$4,953	$59,440	+$2,012
4 Bedroom	$1,827	$6,090	$73,080	+$15,652

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$57,428

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$48,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,708

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ames's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,436

Studio

$853/mo

1 BR

$1,011/mo

2 BR

$1,218/mo

3 BR

$1,486/mo

4 BR

$1,827/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ames

Renting in Ames, Iowa is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $48,720/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $57,428, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,011/month) or studio ($853/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Ames pushes the required income to $59,440.

For comfortable living in Ames without financial stress, target a household income of at least $73,080 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Iowa's cost of living.

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 Ames, Iowa.

With a total population of 66,265, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 36,464 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $48,720 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

36,464

Active civilian employees in Ames

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ames

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ames under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $48,720. The median household income in Ames is $57,428.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ames on $57,428?

The affordability verdict for Ames is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.5%, meaning median earners have a $8,708 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Ames is $1,011/month. With a median household income of $57,428, residents spend approximately 25.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ames?

A studio in Ames rents for approximately $853/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $34,120 to afford this.

Is Ames considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,708 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Ames is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $48,720 to the local median household income.

How Ames Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements