Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Brunswick?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Brunswick, you need to earn at least $40,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $16,643, which means the typical resident is $23,557 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,233

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$704	$2,347	$28,160	+$11,517
1 Bedroom	$834	$2,780	$33,360	+$16,717
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,005	$3,350	$40,200	+$23,557
3 Bedroom	$1,226	$4,087	$49,040	+$32,397
4 Bedroom	$1,508	$5,027	$60,320	+$43,677

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$16,643

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$23,557

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 72.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Brunswick's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$416

Studio

$704/mo

1 BR

$834/mo

2 BR

$1,005/mo

3 BR

$1,226/mo

4 BR

$1,508/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Brunswick

Brunswick, North Carolina is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $16,643 faces a staggering $23,557 deficit against the $40,200 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Brunswick, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $704/month, which requires $28,160/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$503/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable North Carolina city.

To live comfortably in Brunswick without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $60,300 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for North Carolina's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Brunswick, North Carolina.

With a total population of 1,233, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 216 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,200 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

216

Active civilian employees in Brunswick

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Brunswick

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Brunswick under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,200. The median household income in Brunswick is $16,643.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Brunswick on $16,643?

The affordability verdict for Brunswick is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 72.5%, meaning there's a $23,557 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Brunswick is $834/month. With a median household income of $16,643, residents spend approximately 72.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Brunswick?

A studio in Brunswick rents for approximately $704/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,160 to afford this.

Is Brunswick considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $23,557 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Brunswick is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,200 to the local median household income.

How Brunswick Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements