Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Temple?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Temple, you need to earn at least $51,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $70,278, which means the typical resident is $18,678 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,251

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$903	$3,010	$36,120	$-34,158
1 Bedroom	$1,071	$3,570	$42,840	$-27,438
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,290	$4,300	$51,600	$-18,678
3 Bedroom	$1,574	$5,247	$62,960	$-7,318
4 Bedroom	$1,935	$6,450	$77,400	+$7,122

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$70,278

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$51,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,678

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Temple's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,757

Studio

$903/mo

1 BR

$1,071/mo

2 BR

$1,290/mo

3 BR

$1,574/mo

4 BR

$1,935/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Temple

Living in Temple is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,678 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Temple typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Temple, a studio at $903/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,574/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $62,960.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $77,400 would position you well — though many residents in Temple 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 Temple, Pennsylvania.

With a total population of 2,251, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,072 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $51,600 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

1,072

Active civilian employees in Temple

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Temple

What salary do I need to live in Temple, Pennsylvania?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Temple under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $51,600. The median household income in Temple is $70,278.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Temple on $70,278?

The affordability verdict for Temple is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.0%, meaning median earners have a $18,678 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Temple is $1,071/month. With a median household income of $70,278, residents spend approximately 22.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Temple?

A studio in Temple rents for approximately $903/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,120 to afford this.

Is Temple considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,678 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Temple is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $51,600 to the local median household income.

How Temple Compares

Other cities in Pennsylvania with salary requirements