Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Soldier?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Soldier, you need to earn at least $27,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,833, which means the typical resident is $18,113 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 166

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$485	$1,617	$19,400	$-26,433
1 Bedroom	$575	$1,917	$23,000	$-22,833
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$693	$2,310	$27,720	$-18,113
3 Bedroom	$845	$2,817	$33,800	$-12,033
4 Bedroom	$1,040	$3,467	$41,600	$-4,233

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,833

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$27,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,113

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Soldier's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,146

Studio

$485/mo

1 BR

$575/mo

2 BR

$693/mo

3 BR

$845/mo

4 BR

$1,040/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Soldier

Living in Soldier is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,113 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Soldier typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Soldier, a studio at $485/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $845/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $33,800.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $41,580 would position you well — though many residents in Soldier 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 Soldier, Iowa.

With a total population of 166, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 88 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $27,720 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

Active civilian employees in Soldier

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Soldier

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Soldier under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $27,720. The median household income in Soldier is $45,833.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Soldier on $45,833?

The affordability verdict for Soldier is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.1%, meaning median earners have a $18,113 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Soldier is $575/month. With a median household income of $45,833, residents spend approximately 18.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Soldier?

A studio in Soldier rents for approximately $485/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $19,400 to afford this.

Is Soldier considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,113 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Soldier is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $27,720 to the local median household income.

How Soldier Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements