Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Aurora?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Aurora, you need to earn at least $42,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $87,273, which means the typical resident is $44,833 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,429

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$743	$2,477	$29,720	$-57,553
1 Bedroom	$881	$2,937	$35,240	$-52,033
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,061	$3,537	$42,440	$-44,833
3 Bedroom	$1,294	$4,313	$51,760	$-35,513
4 Bedroom	$1,592	$5,307	$63,680	$-23,593

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$87,273

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$42,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$44,833

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Aurora's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,182

Studio

$743/mo

1 BR

$881/mo

2 BR

$1,061/mo

3 BR

$1,294/mo

4 BR

$1,592/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Aurora

Aurora, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $87,273 significantly exceeds the $42,440 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $44,833 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Aurora, a studio at $743/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,294/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $51,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $63,660 would position you well — though many residents in Aurora 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 Aurora, South Dakota.

With a total population of 1,429, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 899 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $42,440 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

899

Active civilian employees in Aurora

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Aurora

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Aurora under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $42,440. The median household income in Aurora is $87,273.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Aurora on $87,273?

The affordability verdict for Aurora is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.6%, meaning median earners have a $44,833 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Aurora is $881/month. With a median household income of $87,273, residents spend approximately 14.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Aurora?

A studio in Aurora rents for approximately $743/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,720 to afford this.

Is Aurora considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $44,833 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Aurora is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $42,440 to the local median household income.

How Aurora Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements