Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Mason City?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mason City, you need to earn at least $40,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $60,786, which means the typical resident is $20,266 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 27,271

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$709	$2,363	$28,360	$-32,426
1 Bedroom	$841	$2,803	$33,640	$-27,146
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,013	$3,377	$40,520	$-20,266
3 Bedroom	$1,236	$4,120	$49,440	$-11,346
4 Bedroom	$1,520	$5,067	$60,800	+$14

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$60,786

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$20,266

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Mason City

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Mason City's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,520

Studio

$709/mo

1 BR

$841/mo

2 BR

$1,013/mo

3 BR

$1,236/mo

4 BR

$1,520/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Mason City.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Mason City

Mason City, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $60,786 significantly exceeds the $40,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $20,266 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Mason City, a studio at $709/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,236/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $49,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $60,780 would position you well — though many residents in Mason City 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 Mason City, Iowa.

With a total population of 27,271, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 14,244 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,520 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

14,244

Active civilian employees in Mason City

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Mason City

What salary do I need to live in Mason City, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mason City under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,520. The median household income in Mason City is $60,786.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Mason City on $60,786?

The affordability verdict for Mason City is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.0%, meaning median earners have a $20,266 surplus.

What is the average rent in Mason City compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Mason City is $841/month. With a median household income of $60,786, residents spend approximately 20.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Mason City?

A studio in Mason City rents for approximately $709/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,360 to afford this.

Is Mason City considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $20,266 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Mason City is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,520 to the local median household income.

How Mason City Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements