Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Finley?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Finley, you need to earn at least $29,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $71,458, which means the typical resident is $41,738 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 291

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$520	$1,733	$20,800	$-50,658
1 Bedroom	$617	$2,057	$24,680	$-46,778
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$743	$2,477	$29,720	$-41,738
3 Bedroom	$906	$3,020	$36,240	$-35,218
4 Bedroom	$1,115	$3,717	$44,600	$-26,858

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$71,458

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$29,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$41,738

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 12.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Finley's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,786

Studio

$520/mo

1 BR

$617/mo

2 BR

$743/mo

3 BR

$906/mo

4 BR

$1,115/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Finley

Finley, North Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $71,458 significantly exceeds the $29,720 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $41,738 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Finley, a studio at $520/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $906/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $36,240.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $44,580 would position you well — though many residents in Finley 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 Finley, North Dakota.

With a total population of 291, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 149 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $29,720 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

149

Active civilian employees in Finley

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Finley

What salary do I need to live in Finley, North Dakota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Finley under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $29,720. The median household income in Finley is $71,458.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Finley on $71,458?

The affordability verdict for Finley is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 12.5%, meaning median earners have a $41,738 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Finley is $617/month. With a median household income of $71,458, residents spend approximately 12.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Finley?

A studio in Finley rents for approximately $520/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,800 to afford this.

Is Finley considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $41,738 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Finley is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $29,720 to the local median household income.

How Finley Compares

Other cities in North Dakota with salary requirements