Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Urbana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Urbana, you need to earn at least $24,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $34,063, which means the typical resident is $9,823 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 452

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$424	$1,413	$16,960	$-17,103
1 Bedroom	$503	$1,677	$20,120	$-13,943
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$606	$2,020	$24,240	$-9,823
3 Bedroom	$739	$2,463	$29,560	$-4,503
4 Bedroom	$909	$3,030	$36,360	+$2,297

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$34,063

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$24,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,823

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Urbana's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$852

Studio

$424/mo

1 BR

$503/mo

2 BR

$606/mo

3 BR

$739/mo

4 BR

$909/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Urbana

Living in Urbana is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $9,823 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Urbana typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Urbana, a studio at $424/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $739/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $29,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $36,360 would position you well — though many residents in Urbana 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 Urbana, Missouri.

With a total population of 452, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 165 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $24,240 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

165

Active civilian employees in Urbana

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Urbana

What salary do I need to live in Urbana, Missouri?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Urbana under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $24,240. The median household income in Urbana is $34,063.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Urbana on $34,063?

The affordability verdict for Urbana is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.3%, meaning median earners have a $9,823 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Urbana is $503/month. With a median household income of $34,063, residents spend approximately 21.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Urbana?

A studio in Urbana rents for approximately $424/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $16,960 to afford this.

Is Urbana considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,823 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Urbana is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $24,240 to the local median household income.

How Urbana Compares

Other cities in Missouri with salary requirements