What Salary Do You Need to Live in Keene?
To afford a 2-bedroom in Keene, you need to earn at least $55,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $69,381, which means the typical resident is $13,821 above the threshold.
Salary Required by Bedroom Size
| Bedroom | Monthly Rent | Monthly Income | Annual Salary | vs. Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $972 | $3,240 | $38,880 | $-30,501 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,153 | $3,843 | $46,120 | $-23,261 |
| 2 Bedroom BENCHMARK | $1,389 | $4,630 | $55,560 | $-13,821 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,695 | $5,650 | $67,800 | $-1,581 |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,084 | $6,947 | $83,360 | +$13,979 |
Affordability Breakdown
Where the required salary line crosses above Keene's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.
Income vs. Rent Snapshot
Median Income
$69,381
Annual household
2BR Required Salary
$55,560
Under 30% rule
Income Gap
+$13,821
Surplus
Verdict
Affordable
Ratio: 24.0%
The 30% Rule Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Keene
Pre-filled with Keene's median household income
Studio
$972/mo
1 BR
$1,153/mo
2 BR
$1,389/mo
3 BR
$1,695/mo
4 BR
$2,084/mo
Salary Comparison by Bedroom
Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Keene's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.
What This Means If You're Moving to Keene
Living in Keene is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,821 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Keene typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.
For remote workers or relocators evaluating Keene, a studio at $972/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,695/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $67,800.
To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $83,340 would position you well — though many residents in Keene manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.
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 Keene, New Hampshire.
With a total population of 22,907, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,923 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $55,560 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
11,923
Active civilian employees in Keene
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Keene
What salary do I need to live in Keene, New Hampshire?
Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Keene on $69,381?
What is the average rent in Keene compared to median income?
What salary do I need for a studio in Keene?
Is Keene considered an affordable place to live?
How Keene Compares
Other cities in New Hampshire with salary requirements