Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Batavia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Batavia, you need to earn at least $43,360/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $50,132, which means the typical resident is $6,772 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 631

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$759	$2,530	$30,360	$-19,772
1 Bedroom	$900	$3,000	$36,000	$-14,132
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,084	$3,613	$43,360	$-6,772
3 Bedroom	$1,322	$4,407	$52,880	+$2,748
4 Bedroom	$1,626	$5,420	$65,040	+$14,908

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$50,132

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,360

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$6,772

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Batavia's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,253

Studio

$759/mo

1 BR

$900/mo

2 BR

$1,084/mo

3 BR

$1,322/mo

4 BR

$1,626/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Batavia

Renting in Batavia, Iowa is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $43,360/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $50,132, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($900/month) or studio ($759/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Batavia pushes the required income to $52,880.

For comfortable living in Batavia without financial stress, target a household income of at least $65,040 — 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 Batavia, Iowa.

With a total population of 631, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 267 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,360 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

267

Active civilian employees in Batavia

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Batavia

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Batavia under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,360. The median household income in Batavia is $50,132.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Batavia on $50,132?

The affordability verdict for Batavia is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.9%, meaning median earners have a $6,772 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Batavia is $900/month. With a median household income of $50,132, residents spend approximately 25.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Batavia?

A studio in Batavia rents for approximately $759/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,360 to afford this.

Is Batavia considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $6,772 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Batavia is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,360 to the local median household income.

How Batavia Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements