Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Marengo?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Marengo, you need to earn at least $32,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,583, which means the typical resident is $27,503 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,812

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$561	$1,870	$22,440	$-37,143
1 Bedroom	$666	$2,220	$26,640	$-32,943
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$802	$2,673	$32,080	$-27,503
3 Bedroom	$978	$3,260	$39,120	$-20,463
4 Bedroom	$1,203	$4,010	$48,120	$-11,463

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,583

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$27,503

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Marengo's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,490

Studio

$561/mo

1 BR

$666/mo

2 BR

$802/mo

3 BR

$978/mo

4 BR

$1,203/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Marengo

Marengo, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $59,583 significantly exceeds the $32,080 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $27,503 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Marengo, a studio at $561/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $978/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $39,120.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $48,120 would position you well — though many residents in Marengo 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 Marengo, Iowa.

With a total population of 2,812, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,443 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,080 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

1,443

Active civilian employees in Marengo

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Marengo

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Marengo under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,080. The median household income in Marengo is $59,583.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Marengo on $59,583?

The affordability verdict for Marengo is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.2%, meaning median earners have a $27,503 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Marengo is $666/month. With a median household income of $59,583, residents spend approximately 16.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Marengo?

A studio in Marengo rents for approximately $561/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,440 to afford this.

Is Marengo considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $27,503 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Marengo is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,080 to the local median household income.

How Marengo Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements