Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Urbandale?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Urbandale, you need to earn at least $53,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $111,888, which means the typical resident is $58,488 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 45,591

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$934	$3,113	$37,360	$-74,528
1 Bedroom	$1,108	$3,693	$44,320	$-67,568
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,335	$4,450	$53,400	$-58,488
3 Bedroom	$1,629	$5,430	$65,160	$-46,728
4 Bedroom	$2,003	$6,677	$80,120	$-31,768

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$111,888

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$53,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$58,488

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Urbandale's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,797

Studio

$934/mo

1 BR

$1,108/mo

2 BR

$1,335/mo

3 BR

$1,629/mo

4 BR

$2,003/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Urbandale

Urbandale, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $111,888 significantly exceeds the $53,400 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $58,488 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Urbandale, a studio at $934/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,629/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $65,160.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $80,100 would position you well — though many residents in Urbandale 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 Urbandale, Iowa.

With a total population of 45,591, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 24,207 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $53,400 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

24,207

Active civilian employees in Urbandale

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Urbandale

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Urbandale under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $53,400. The median household income in Urbandale is $111,888.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Urbandale on $111,888?

The affordability verdict for Urbandale is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.3%, meaning median earners have a $58,488 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Urbandale is $1,108/month. With a median household income of $111,888, residents spend approximately 14.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Urbandale?

A studio in Urbandale rents for approximately $934/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,360 to afford this.

Is Urbandale considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $58,488 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Urbandale is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $53,400 to the local median household income.

How Urbandale Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements