Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Coldwater?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Coldwater, you need to earn at least $33,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,625, which means the typical resident is $12,225 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 693

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$585	$1,950	$23,400	$-22,225
1 Bedroom	$693	$2,310	$27,720	$-17,905
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$835	$2,783	$33,400	$-12,225
3 Bedroom	$1,019	$3,397	$40,760	$-4,865
4 Bedroom	$1,253	$4,177	$50,120	+$4,495

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,625

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,225

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Coldwater's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,141

Studio

$585/mo

1 BR

$693/mo

2 BR

$835/mo

3 BR

$1,019/mo

4 BR

$1,253/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Coldwater

Living in Coldwater is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $12,225 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Coldwater typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Coldwater, a studio at $585/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,019/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $40,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $50,100 would position you well — though many residents in Coldwater 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 Coldwater, Kansas.

With a total population of 693, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 308 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,400 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

308

Active civilian employees in Coldwater

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Coldwater

What salary do I need to live in Coldwater, Kansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Coldwater under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,400. The median household income in Coldwater is $45,625.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Coldwater on $45,625?

The affordability verdict for Coldwater is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.0%, meaning median earners have a $12,225 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Coldwater is $693/month. With a median household income of $45,625, residents spend approximately 22.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Coldwater?

A studio in Coldwater rents for approximately $585/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,400 to afford this.

Is Coldwater considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,225 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Coldwater is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,400 to the local median household income.

How Coldwater Compares

Other cities in Kansas with salary requirements