Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Castana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Castana, you need to earn at least $32,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $60,417, which means the typical resident is $27,897 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 177

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$569	$1,897	$22,760	$-37,657
1 Bedroom	$675	$2,250	$27,000	$-33,417
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$813	$2,710	$32,520	$-27,897
3 Bedroom	$992	$3,307	$39,680	$-20,737
4 Bedroom	$1,220	$4,067	$48,800	$-11,617

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$60,417

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$27,897

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Castana's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,510

Studio

$569/mo

1 BR

$675/mo

2 BR

$813/mo

3 BR

$992/mo

4 BR

$1,220/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Castana

Castana, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $60,417 significantly exceeds the $32,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $27,897 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Castana, a studio at $569/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $992/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $39,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $48,780 would position you well — though many residents in Castana 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 Castana, Iowa.

With a total population of 177, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 115 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,520 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

115

Active civilian employees in Castana

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Castana

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Castana under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,520. The median household income in Castana is $60,417.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Castana on $60,417?

The affordability verdict for Castana is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.1%, meaning median earners have a $27,897 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Castana is $675/month. With a median household income of $60,417, residents spend approximately 16.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Castana?

A studio in Castana rents for approximately $569/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,760 to afford this.

Is Castana considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $27,897 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Castana is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,520 to the local median household income.

How Castana Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements