Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Alexandria?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alexandria, you need to earn at least $35,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $89,750, which means the typical resident is $54,750 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 839

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$613	$2,043	$24,520	$-65,230
1 Bedroom	$726	$2,420	$29,040	$-60,710
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$875	$2,917	$35,000	$-54,750
3 Bedroom	$1,068	$3,560	$42,720	$-47,030
4 Bedroom	$1,313	$4,377	$52,520	$-37,230

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$89,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$54,750

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 11.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Alexandria's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,244

Studio

$613/mo

1 BR

$726/mo

2 BR

$875/mo

3 BR

$1,068/mo

4 BR

$1,313/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Alexandria

Alexandria, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $89,750 significantly exceeds the $35,000 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $54,750 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Alexandria, a studio at $613/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,068/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $42,720.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $52,500 would position you well — though many residents in Alexandria 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 Alexandria, South Dakota.

With a total population of 839, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 463 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,000 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

463

Active civilian employees in Alexandria

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Alexandria

What salary do I need to live in Alexandria, South Dakota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alexandria under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,000. The median household income in Alexandria is $89,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Alexandria on $89,750?

The affordability verdict for Alexandria is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 11.7%, meaning median earners have a $54,750 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Alexandria is $726/month. With a median household income of $89,750, residents spend approximately 11.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Alexandria?

A studio in Alexandria rents for approximately $613/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,520 to afford this.

Is Alexandria considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $54,750 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Alexandria is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,000 to the local median household income.

How Alexandria Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements