Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Motley?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Motley, you need to earn at least $30,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,563, which means the typical resident is $15,803 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 647

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$538	$1,793	$21,520	$-25,043
1 Bedroom	$638	$2,127	$25,520	$-21,043
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$769	$2,563	$30,760	$-15,803
3 Bedroom	$938	$3,127	$37,520	$-9,043
4 Bedroom	$1,154	$3,847	$46,160	$-403

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,563

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$30,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,803

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Motley's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,164

Studio

$538/mo

1 BR

$638/mo

2 BR

$769/mo

3 BR

$938/mo

4 BR

$1,154/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Motley

Living in Motley is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,803 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Motley typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Motley, a studio at $538/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $938/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $37,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $46,140 would position you well — though many residents in Motley 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 Motley, Minnesota.

With a total population of 647, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 299 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $30,760 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

299

Active civilian employees in Motley

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Motley

What salary do I need to live in Motley, Minnesota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Motley under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $30,760. The median household income in Motley is $46,563.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Motley on $46,563?

The affordability verdict for Motley is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.8%, meaning median earners have a $15,803 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Motley is $638/month. With a median household income of $46,563, residents spend approximately 19.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Motley?

A studio in Motley rents for approximately $538/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,520 to afford this.

Is Motley considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,803 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Motley is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $30,760 to the local median household income.

How Motley Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements