Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Winona?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Winona, you need to earn at least $37,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,500, which means the typical resident is $15,260 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 26,083

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$652	$2,173	$26,080	$-26,420
1 Bedroom	$773	$2,577	$30,920	$-21,580
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$931	$3,103	$37,240	$-15,260
3 Bedroom	$1,136	$3,787	$45,440	$-7,060
4 Bedroom	$1,397	$4,657	$55,880	+$3,380

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,500

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,260

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Winona's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,313

Studio

$652/mo

1 BR

$773/mo

2 BR

$931/mo

3 BR

$1,136/mo

4 BR

$1,397/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Winona

Living in Winona is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,260 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Winona typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Winona, a studio at $652/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,136/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,860 would position you well — though many residents in Winona 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 Winona, Minnesota.

With a total population of 26,083, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 14,750 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,240 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

14,750

Active civilian employees in Winona

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Winona

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Winona under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,240. The median household income in Winona is $52,500.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Winona on $52,500?

The affordability verdict for Winona is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.3%, meaning median earners have a $15,260 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Winona is $773/month. With a median household income of $52,500, residents spend approximately 21.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Winona?

A studio in Winona rents for approximately $652/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,080 to afford this.

Is Winona considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,260 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Winona is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,240 to the local median household income.

How Winona Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements