Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Amherst?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Amherst, you need to earn at least $36,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $86,250, which means the typical resident is $49,330 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 12,740

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$646	$2,153	$25,840	$-60,410
1 Bedroom	$766	$2,553	$30,640	$-55,610
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$923	$3,077	$36,920	$-49,330
3 Bedroom	$1,126	$3,753	$45,040	$-41,210
4 Bedroom	$1,385	$4,617	$55,400	$-30,850

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$86,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$49,330

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 12.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Amherst's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,156

Studio

$646/mo

1 BR

$766/mo

2 BR

$923/mo

3 BR

$1,126/mo

4 BR

$1,385/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Amherst

Amherst, Ohio stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $86,250 significantly exceeds the $36,920 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $49,330 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Amherst, a studio at $646/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,126/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,380 would position you well — though many residents in Amherst 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 Amherst, Ohio.

With a total population of 12,740, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 6,155 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,920 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

6,155

Active civilian employees in Amherst

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Amherst

What salary do I need to live in Amherst, Ohio?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Amherst under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,920. The median household income in Amherst is $86,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Amherst on $86,250?

The affordability verdict for Amherst is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 12.8%, meaning median earners have a $49,330 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Amherst is $766/month. With a median household income of $86,250, residents spend approximately 12.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Amherst?

A studio in Amherst rents for approximately $646/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,840 to afford this.

Is Amherst considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $49,330 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Amherst is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,920 to the local median household income.

How Amherst Compares

Other cities in Ohio with salary requirements