Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Pinesdale?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pinesdale, you need to earn at least $61,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $78,036, which means the typical resident is $16,156 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 904

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,083	$3,610	$43,320	$-34,716
1 Bedroom	$1,284	$4,280	$51,360	$-26,676
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,547	$5,157	$61,880	$-16,156
3 Bedroom	$1,887	$6,290	$75,480	$-2,556
4 Bedroom	$2,321	$7,737	$92,840	+$14,804

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$78,036

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$61,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$16,156

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Pinesdale's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,951

Studio

$1,083/mo

1 BR

$1,284/mo

2 BR

$1,547/mo

3 BR

$1,887/mo

4 BR

$2,321/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Pinesdale

Living in Pinesdale is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $16,156 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Pinesdale typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Pinesdale, a studio at $1,083/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,887/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $75,480.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $92,820 would position you well — though many residents in Pinesdale 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 Pinesdale, Montana.

With a total population of 904, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 445 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $61,880 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

445

Active civilian employees in Pinesdale

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Pinesdale

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pinesdale under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $61,880. The median household income in Pinesdale is $78,036.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Pinesdale on $78,036?

The affordability verdict for Pinesdale is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.8%, meaning median earners have a $16,156 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Pinesdale is $1,284/month. With a median household income of $78,036, residents spend approximately 23.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Pinesdale?

A studio in Pinesdale rents for approximately $1,083/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $43,320 to afford this.

Is Pinesdale considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $16,156 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Pinesdale is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $61,880 to the local median household income.

How Pinesdale Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements