Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in The Dalles?

To afford a 2-bedroom in The Dalles, you need to earn at least $44,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,714, which means the typical resident is $15,154 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 15,988

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$780	$2,600	$31,200	$-28,514
1 Bedroom	$925	$3,083	$37,000	$-22,714
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,114	$3,713	$44,560	$-15,154
3 Bedroom	$1,359	$4,530	$54,360	$-5,354
4 Bedroom	$1,671	$5,570	$66,840	+$7,126

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,714

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,154

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in The Dalles

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with The Dalles's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,493

Studio

$780/mo

1 BR

$925/mo

2 BR

$1,114/mo

3 BR

$1,359/mo

4 BR

$1,671/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in The Dalles.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to The Dalles

Living in The Dalles is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,154 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in The Dalles typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating The Dalles, a studio at $780/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,359/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $54,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $66,840 would position you well — though many residents in The Dalles 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 The Dalles, Oregon.

With a total population of 15,988, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,165 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,560 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

7,165

Active civilian employees in The Dalles

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in The Dalles

What salary do I need to live in The Dalles, Oregon?

To afford a 2-bedroom in The Dalles under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,560. The median household income in The Dalles is $59,714.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in The Dalles on $59,714?

The affordability verdict for The Dalles is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.4%, meaning median earners have a $15,154 surplus.

What is the average rent in The Dalles compared to median income?

The median gross rent in The Dalles is $925/month. With a median household income of $59,714, residents spend approximately 22.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in The Dalles?

A studio in The Dalles rents for approximately $780/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,200 to afford this.

Is The Dalles considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,154 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", The Dalles is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,560 to the local median household income.

How The Dalles Compares

Other cities in Oregon with salary requirements