Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Cedar Falls?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cedar Falls, you need to earn at least $53,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $71,011, which means the typical resident is $17,411 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 40,686

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$938	$3,127	$37,520	$-33,491
1 Bedroom	$1,112	$3,707	$44,480	$-26,531
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,340	$4,467	$53,600	$-17,411
3 Bedroom	$1,635	$5,450	$65,400	$-5,611
4 Bedroom	$2,010	$6,700	$80,400	+$9,389

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$71,011

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$53,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,411

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Cedar Falls

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Cedar Falls's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,775

Studio

$938/mo

1 BR

$1,112/mo

2 BR

$1,340/mo

3 BR

$1,635/mo

4 BR

$2,010/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Cedar Falls.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Cedar Falls

Living in Cedar Falls is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,411 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Cedar Falls typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Cedar Falls, a studio at $938/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,635/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $65,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $80,400 would position you well — though many residents in Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls, Iowa.

With a total population of 40,686, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 23,093 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $53,600 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

23,093

Active civilian employees in Cedar Falls

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Cedar Falls

What salary do I need to live in Cedar Falls, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cedar Falls under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $53,600. The median household income in Cedar Falls is $71,011.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Cedar Falls on $71,011?

The affordability verdict for Cedar Falls is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.6%, meaning median earners have a $17,411 surplus.

What is the average rent in Cedar Falls compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Cedar Falls is $1,112/month. With a median household income of $71,011, residents spend approximately 22.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Cedar Falls?

A studio in Cedar Falls rents for approximately $938/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,520 to afford this.

Is Cedar Falls considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,411 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Cedar Falls is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $53,600 to the local median household income.

How Cedar Falls Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements