Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Cottonwood Falls?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cottonwood Falls, you need to earn at least $25,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,625, which means the typical resident is $19,665 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 888

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$454	$1,513	$18,160	$-27,465
1 Bedroom	$539	$1,797	$21,560	$-24,065
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$649	$2,163	$25,960	$-19,665
3 Bedroom	$792	$2,640	$31,680	$-13,945
4 Bedroom	$974	$3,247	$38,960	$-6,665

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Cottonwood Falls'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

$25,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,665

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Cottonwood Falls

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Cottonwood Falls's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,141

Studio

$454/mo

1 BR

$539/mo

2 BR

$649/mo

3 BR

$792/mo

4 BR

$974/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Cottonwood Falls.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Cottonwood Falls

Living in Cottonwood Falls is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,665 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Cottonwood Falls typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Cottonwood Falls, a studio at $454/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $792/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $31,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $38,940 would position you well — though many residents in Cottonwood Falls 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 Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.

With a total population of 888, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 428 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $25,960 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

428

Active civilian employees in Cottonwood Falls

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Cottonwood Falls

What salary do I need to live in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cottonwood Falls under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $25,960. The median household income in Cottonwood Falls is $45,625.

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

The affordability verdict for Cottonwood Falls is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.1%, meaning median earners have a $19,665 surplus.

What is the average rent in Cottonwood Falls compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Cottonwood Falls is $539/month. With a median household income of $45,625, residents spend approximately 17.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Cottonwood Falls?

A studio in Cottonwood Falls rents for approximately $454/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,160 to afford this.

Is Cottonwood Falls considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,665 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Cottonwood Falls is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $25,960 to the local median household income.

How Cottonwood Falls Compares

Other cities in Kansas with salary requirements