Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Burlington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Burlington, you need to earn at least $43,480/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,628, which means the typical resident is $8,148 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 23,976

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$761	$2,537	$30,440	$-21,188
1 Bedroom	$902	$3,007	$36,080	$-15,548
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,087	$3,623	$43,480	$-8,148
3 Bedroom	$1,326	$4,420	$53,040	+$1,412
4 Bedroom	$1,631	$5,437	$65,240	+$13,612

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,628

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,480

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,148

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Burlington's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,291

Studio

$761/mo

1 BR

$902/mo

2 BR

$1,087/mo

3 BR

$1,326/mo

4 BR

$1,631/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Burlington

Renting in Burlington, Iowa is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $43,480/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $51,628, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($902/month) or studio ($761/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Burlington pushes the required income to $53,040.

For comfortable living in Burlington without financial stress, target a household income of at least $65,220 — 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 Burlington, Iowa.

With a total population of 23,976, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,061 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,480 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

11,061

Active civilian employees in Burlington

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Burlington

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Burlington under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,480. The median household income in Burlington is $51,628.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Burlington on $51,628?

The affordability verdict for Burlington is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.3%, meaning median earners have a $8,148 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Burlington is $902/month. With a median household income of $51,628, residents spend approximately 25.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Burlington?

A studio in Burlington rents for approximately $761/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,440 to afford this.

Is Burlington considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,148 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Burlington is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,480 to the local median household income.

How Burlington Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements