Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Bay St. Louis?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bay St. Louis, you need to earn at least $47,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $63,508, which means the typical resident is $15,548 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 9,788

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$839	$2,797	$33,560	$-29,948
1 Bedroom	$995	$3,317	$39,800	$-23,708
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,199	$3,997	$47,960	$-15,548
3 Bedroom	$1,463	$4,877	$58,520	$-4,988
4 Bedroom	$1,799	$5,997	$71,960	+$8,452

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$63,508

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$47,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,548

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Bay St. Louis

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Bay St. Louis's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,588

Studio

$839/mo

1 BR

$995/mo

2 BR

$1,199/mo

3 BR

$1,463/mo

4 BR

$1,799/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Bay St. Louis.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Bay St. Louis

Living in Bay St. Louis is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,548 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Bay St. Louis typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Bay St. Louis, a studio at $839/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,463/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $58,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $71,940 would position you well — though many residents in Bay St. Louis 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 Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

With a total population of 9,788, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,198 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $47,960 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

4,198

Active civilian employees in Bay St. Louis

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Bay St. Louis

What salary do I need to live in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bay St. Louis under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $47,960. The median household income in Bay St. Louis is $63,508.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Bay St. Louis on $63,508?

The affordability verdict for Bay St. Louis is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.7%, meaning median earners have a $15,548 surplus.

What is the average rent in Bay St. Louis compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Bay St. Louis is $995/month. With a median household income of $63,508, residents spend approximately 22.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Bay St. Louis?

A studio in Bay St. Louis rents for approximately $839/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $33,560 to afford this.

Is Bay St. Louis considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,548 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Bay St. Louis is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $47,960 to the local median household income.

How Bay St. Louis Compares

Other cities in Mississippi with salary requirements