Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Manly?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Manly, you need to earn at least $31,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $64,688, which means the typical resident is $33,408 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,415

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$547	$1,823	$21,880	$-42,808
1 Bedroom	$649	$2,163	$25,960	$-38,728
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$782	$2,607	$31,280	$-33,408
3 Bedroom	$954	$3,180	$38,160	$-26,528
4 Bedroom	$1,173	$3,910	$46,920	$-17,768

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$64,688

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$33,408

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Manly's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,617

Studio

$547/mo

1 BR

$649/mo

2 BR

$782/mo

3 BR

$954/mo

4 BR

$1,173/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Manly

Manly, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $64,688 significantly exceeds the $31,280 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $33,408 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Manly, a studio at $547/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $954/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $38,160.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $46,920 would position you well — though many residents in Manly 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 Manly, Iowa.

With a total population of 1,415, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 793 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,280 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

793

Active civilian employees in Manly

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Manly

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Manly under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,280. The median household income in Manly is $64,688.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Manly on $64,688?

The affordability verdict for Manly is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.5%, meaning median earners have a $33,408 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Manly is $649/month. With a median household income of $64,688, residents spend approximately 14.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Manly?

A studio in Manly rents for approximately $547/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,880 to afford this.

Is Manly considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $33,408 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Manly is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,280 to the local median household income.

How Manly Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements