Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Houlton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Houlton, you need to earn at least $31,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $50,625, which means the typical resident is $19,185 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,918

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$550	$1,833	$22,000	$-28,625
1 Bedroom	$652	$2,173	$26,080	$-24,545
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$786	$2,620	$31,440	$-19,185
3 Bedroom	$959	$3,197	$38,360	$-12,265
4 Bedroom	$1,179	$3,930	$47,160	$-3,465

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$50,625

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,185

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Houlton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,266

Studio

$550/mo

1 BR

$652/mo

2 BR

$786/mo

3 BR

$959/mo

4 BR

$1,179/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Houlton

Living in Houlton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,185 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Houlton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Houlton, a studio at $550/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $959/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $38,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $47,160 would position you well — though many residents in Houlton 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 Houlton, Maine.

With a total population of 4,918, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,919 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,440 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

1,919

Active civilian employees in Houlton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Houlton

What salary do I need to live in Houlton, Maine?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Houlton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,440. The median household income in Houlton is $50,625.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Houlton on $50,625?

The affordability verdict for Houlton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.6%, meaning median earners have a $19,185 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Houlton is $652/month. With a median household income of $50,625, residents spend approximately 18.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Houlton?

A studio in Houlton rents for approximately $550/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,000 to afford this.

Is Houlton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,185 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Houlton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,440 to the local median household income.

How Houlton Compares

Other cities in Maine with salary requirements