Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Muscatine?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Muscatine, you need to earn at least $45,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $58,474, which means the typical resident is $13,394 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 23,671

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$789	$2,630	$31,560	$-26,914
1 Bedroom	$935	$3,117	$37,400	$-21,074
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,127	$3,757	$45,080	$-13,394
3 Bedroom	$1,375	$4,583	$55,000	$-3,474
4 Bedroom	$1,691	$5,637	$67,640	+$9,166

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$58,474

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,394

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Muscatine's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,462

Studio

$789/mo

1 BR

$935/mo

2 BR

$1,127/mo

3 BR

$1,375/mo

4 BR

$1,691/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Muscatine

Living in Muscatine is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,394 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Muscatine typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Muscatine, a studio at $789/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,375/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $55,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $67,620 would position you well — though many residents in Muscatine 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 Muscatine, Iowa.

With a total population of 23,671, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,425 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,080 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

11,425

Active civilian employees in Muscatine

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Muscatine

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Muscatine under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,080. The median household income in Muscatine is $58,474.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Muscatine on $58,474?

The affordability verdict for Muscatine is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.1%, meaning median earners have a $13,394 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Muscatine is $935/month. With a median household income of $58,474, residents spend approximately 23.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Muscatine?

A studio in Muscatine rents for approximately $789/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,560 to afford this.

Is Muscatine considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,394 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Muscatine is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,080 to the local median household income.

How Muscatine Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements