Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hastings?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hastings, you need to earn at least $39,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $57,554, which means the typical resident is $18,314 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 25,098

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$687	$2,290	$27,480	$-30,074
1 Bedroom	$814	$2,713	$32,560	$-24,994
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$981	$3,270	$39,240	$-18,314
3 Bedroom	$1,197	$3,990	$47,880	$-9,674
4 Bedroom	$1,472	$4,907	$58,880	+$1,326

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$57,554

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,314

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hastings's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,439

Studio

$687/mo

1 BR

$814/mo

2 BR

$981/mo

3 BR

$1,197/mo

4 BR

$1,472/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hastings

Living in Hastings is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,314 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Hastings typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Hastings, a studio at $687/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,197/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $47,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $58,860 would position you well — though many residents in Hastings 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 Hastings, Nebraska.

With a total population of 25,098, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 12,561 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,240 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

12,561

Active civilian employees in Hastings

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hastings

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hastings under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,240. The median household income in Hastings is $57,554.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hastings on $57,554?

The affordability verdict for Hastings is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.5%, meaning median earners have a $18,314 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Hastings is $814/month. With a median household income of $57,554, residents spend approximately 20.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hastings?

A studio in Hastings rents for approximately $687/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,480 to afford this.

Is Hastings considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,314 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Hastings is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,240 to the local median household income.

How Hastings Compares

Other cities in Nebraska with salary requirements