Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Beaufort?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Beaufort, you need to earn at least $38,360/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $41,890, which means the typical resident is $3,530 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,534

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$671	$2,237	$26,840	$-15,050
1 Bedroom	$796	$2,653	$31,840	$-10,050
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$959	$3,197	$38,360	$-3,530
3 Bedroom	$1,170	$3,900	$46,800	+$4,910
4 Bedroom	$1,439	$4,797	$57,560	+$15,670

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$41,890

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,360

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$3,530

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Beaufort's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,047

Studio

$671/mo

1 BR

$796/mo

2 BR

$959/mo

3 BR

$1,170/mo

4 BR

$1,439/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Beaufort

Beaufort is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $3,530. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($796/month) or studio ($671/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Beaufort pushes the required income to $46,800.

For comfortable living in Beaufort without financial stress, target a household income of at least $57,540 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for North Carolina'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 Beaufort, North Carolina.

With a total population of 4,534, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,852 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,360 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

1,852

Active civilian employees in Beaufort

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Beaufort

What salary do I need to live in Beaufort, North Carolina?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Beaufort under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,360. The median household income in Beaufort is $41,890.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Beaufort on $41,890?

The affordability verdict for Beaufort is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.5%, meaning median earners have a $3,530 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Beaufort is $796/month. With a median household income of $41,890, residents spend approximately 27.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Beaufort?

A studio in Beaufort rents for approximately $671/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,840 to afford this.

Is Beaufort considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $3,530 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Beaufort is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,360 to the local median household income.

How Beaufort Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements