Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Rugby?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Rugby, you need to earn at least $36,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $54,852, which means the typical resident is $17,972 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,654

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$645	$2,150	$25,800	$-29,052
1 Bedroom	$765	$2,550	$30,600	$-24,252
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$922	$3,073	$36,880	$-17,972
3 Bedroom	$1,125	$3,750	$45,000	$-9,852
4 Bedroom	$1,383	$4,610	$55,320	+$468

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$54,852

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,972

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Rugby's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,371

Studio

$645/mo

1 BR

$765/mo

2 BR

$922/mo

3 BR

$1,125/mo

4 BR

$1,383/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Rugby

Living in Rugby is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,972 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Rugby typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Rugby, a studio at $645/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,125/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,320 would position you well — though many residents in Rugby 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 Rugby, North Dakota.

With a total population of 2,654, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,262 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,880 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

1,262

Active civilian employees in Rugby

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Rugby

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Rugby under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,880. The median household income in Rugby is $54,852.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Rugby on $54,852?

The affordability verdict for Rugby is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.2%, meaning median earners have a $17,972 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Rugby is $765/month. With a median household income of $54,852, residents spend approximately 20.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Rugby?

A studio in Rugby rents for approximately $645/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,800 to afford this.

Is Rugby considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,972 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Rugby is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,880 to the local median household income.

How Rugby Compares

Other cities in North Dakota with salary requirements