Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Friend?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Friend, you need to earn at least $27,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $77,386, which means the typical resident is $49,666 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,117

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$485	$1,617	$19,400	$-57,986
1 Bedroom	$575	$1,917	$23,000	$-54,386
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$693	$2,310	$27,720	$-49,666
3 Bedroom	$845	$2,817	$33,800	$-43,586
4 Bedroom	$1,040	$3,467	$41,600	$-35,786

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$77,386

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$27,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$49,666

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 10.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Friend's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,935

Studio

$485/mo

1 BR

$575/mo

2 BR

$693/mo

3 BR

$845/mo

4 BR

$1,040/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Friend

Friend, Nebraska stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $77,386 significantly exceeds the $27,720 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $49,666 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Friend, a studio at $485/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $845/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $33,800.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $41,580 would position you well — though many residents in Friend 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 Friend, Nebraska.

With a total population of 1,117, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 613 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $27,720 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

613

Active civilian employees in Friend

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Friend

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Friend under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $27,720. The median household income in Friend is $77,386.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Friend on $77,386?

The affordability verdict for Friend is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 10.7%, meaning median earners have a $49,666 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Friend is $575/month. With a median household income of $77,386, residents spend approximately 10.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Friend?

A studio in Friend rents for approximately $485/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $19,400 to afford this.

Is Friend considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $49,666 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Friend is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $27,720 to the local median household income.

How Friend Compares

Other cities in Nebraska with salary requirements