Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Sunburst?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sunburst, you need to earn at least $38,120/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $78,750, which means the typical resident is $40,630 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 392

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$667	$2,223	$26,680	$-52,070
1 Bedroom	$791	$2,637	$31,640	$-47,110
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$953	$3,177	$38,120	$-40,630
3 Bedroom	$1,163	$3,877	$46,520	$-32,230
4 Bedroom	$1,430	$4,767	$57,200	$-21,550

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$78,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,120

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$40,630

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Sunburst's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,969

Studio

$667/mo

1 BR

$791/mo

2 BR

$953/mo

3 BR

$1,163/mo

4 BR

$1,430/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Sunburst

Sunburst, Montana stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $78,750 significantly exceeds the $38,120 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $40,630 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Sunburst, a studio at $667/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,163/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $46,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $57,180 would position you well — though many residents in Sunburst 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 Sunburst, Montana.

With a total population of 392, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 187 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,120 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

187

Active civilian employees in Sunburst

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Sunburst

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sunburst under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,120. The median household income in Sunburst is $78,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Sunburst on $78,750?

The affordability verdict for Sunburst is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.5%, meaning median earners have a $40,630 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Sunburst is $791/month. With a median household income of $78,750, residents spend approximately 14.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Sunburst?

A studio in Sunburst rents for approximately $667/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,680 to afford this.

Is Sunburst considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $40,630 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Sunburst is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,120 to the local median household income.

How Sunburst Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements