Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Alma?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alma, you need to earn at least $33,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,679, which means the typical resident is $19,279 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,131

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$585	$1,950	$23,400	$-29,279
1 Bedroom	$693	$2,310	$27,720	$-24,959
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$835	$2,783	$33,400	$-19,279
3 Bedroom	$1,019	$3,397	$40,760	$-11,919
4 Bedroom	$1,253	$4,177	$50,120	$-2,559

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,679

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,279

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Alma's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,317

Studio

$585/mo

1 BR

$693/mo

2 BR

$835/mo

3 BR

$1,019/mo

4 BR

$1,253/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Alma

Living in Alma is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,279 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Alma typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Alma, a studio at $585/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,019/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $40,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $50,100 would position you well — though many residents in Alma 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 Alma, Nebraska.

With a total population of 1,131, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 512 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,400 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

512

Active civilian employees in Alma

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Alma

What salary do I need to live in Alma, Nebraska?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alma under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,400. The median household income in Alma is $52,679.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Alma on $52,679?

The affordability verdict for Alma is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.0%, meaning median earners have a $19,279 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Alma is $693/month. With a median household income of $52,679, residents spend approximately 19.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Alma?

A studio in Alma rents for approximately $585/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,400 to afford this.

Is Alma considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,279 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Alma is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,400 to the local median household income.

How Alma Compares

Other cities in Nebraska with salary requirements