Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Arlee?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Arlee, you need to earn at least $31,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $37,109, which means the typical resident is $5,589 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 693

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$552	$1,840	$22,080	$-15,029
1 Bedroom	$654	$2,180	$26,160	$-10,949
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$788	$2,627	$31,520	$-5,589
3 Bedroom	$961	$3,203	$38,440	+$1,331
4 Bedroom	$1,182	$3,940	$47,280	+$10,171

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$37,109

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,589

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Arlee's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$928

Studio

$552/mo

1 BR

$654/mo

2 BR

$788/mo

3 BR

$961/mo

4 BR

$1,182/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Arlee

Renting in Arlee, Montana is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $31,520/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $37,109, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($654/month) or studio ($552/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Arlee pushes the required income to $38,440.

For comfortable living in Arlee without financial stress, target a household income of at least $47,280 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Montana's cost of living.

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 Arlee, Montana.

With a total population of 693, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 286 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,520 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

286

Active civilian employees in Arlee

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Arlee

What salary do I need to live in Arlee, Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Arlee under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,520. The median household income in Arlee is $37,109.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Arlee on $37,109?

The affordability verdict for Arlee is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.5%, meaning median earners have a $5,589 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Arlee is $654/month. With a median household income of $37,109, residents spend approximately 25.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Arlee?

A studio in Arlee rents for approximately $552/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,080 to afford this.

Is Arlee considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,589 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Arlee is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,520 to the local median household income.

How Arlee Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements