Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ralston?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ralston, you need to earn at least $52,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,554, which means the typical resident is $9,154 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,462

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$917	$3,057	$36,680	$-24,874
1 Bedroom	$1,087	$3,623	$43,480	$-18,074
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,310	$4,367	$52,400	$-9,154
3 Bedroom	$1,598	$5,327	$63,920	+$2,366
4 Bedroom	$1,965	$6,550	$78,600	+$17,046

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,554

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,154

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ralston's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,539

Studio

$917/mo

1 BR

$1,087/mo

2 BR

$1,310/mo

3 BR

$1,598/mo

4 BR

$1,965/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ralston

Renting in Ralston, Nebraska is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $52,400/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $61,554, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,087/month) or studio ($917/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Ralston pushes the required income to $63,920.

For comfortable living in Ralston without financial stress, target a household income of at least $78,600 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Nebraska's cost of living.

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 Ralston, Nebraska.

With a total population of 6,462, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,758 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,400 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

3,758

Active civilian employees in Ralston

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ralston

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ralston under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,400. The median household income in Ralston is $61,554.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ralston on $61,554?

The affordability verdict for Ralston is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.5%, meaning median earners have a $9,154 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Ralston is $1,087/month. With a median household income of $61,554, residents spend approximately 25.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ralston?

A studio in Ralston rents for approximately $917/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,680 to afford this.

Is Ralston considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,154 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Ralston is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,400 to the local median household income.

How Ralston Compares

Other cities in Nebraska with salary requirements