Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Arkansas City?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Arkansas City, you need to earn at least $36,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $49,177, which means the typical resident is $12,777 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 11,997

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$637	$2,123	$25,480	$-23,697
1 Bedroom	$755	$2,517	$30,200	$-18,977
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$910	$3,033	$36,400	$-12,777
3 Bedroom	$1,110	$3,700	$44,400	$-4,777
4 Bedroom	$1,365	$4,550	$54,600	+$5,423

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$49,177

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,777

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Arkansas City's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,229

Studio

$637/mo

1 BR

$755/mo

2 BR

$910/mo

3 BR

$1,110/mo

4 BR

$1,365/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Arkansas 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 Arkansas City

Living in Arkansas City is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $12,777 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Arkansas City typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Arkansas City, a studio at $637/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,110/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $44,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $54,600 would position you well — though many residents in Arkansas 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 Arkansas City, Kansas.

With a total population of 11,997, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,046 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,400 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

5,046

Active civilian employees in Arkansas City

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Arkansas City

What salary do I need to live in Arkansas City, Kansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Arkansas City under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,400. The median household income in Arkansas City is $49,177.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Arkansas City on $49,177?

The affordability verdict for Arkansas City is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.2%, meaning median earners have a $12,777 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Arkansas City is $755/month. With a median household income of $49,177, residents spend approximately 22.2% of their income on rent.

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

A studio in Arkansas City rents for approximately $637/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,480 to afford this.

Is Arkansas City considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,777 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Arkansas City is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,400 to the local median household income.

How Arkansas City Compares

Other cities in Kansas with salary requirements