Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Clifton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clifton, you need to earn at least $31,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,145, which means the typical resident is $14,145 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,622

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$543	$1,810	$21,720	$-23,425
1 Bedroom	$643	$2,143	$25,720	$-19,425
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$775	$2,583	$31,000	$-14,145
3 Bedroom	$946	$3,153	$37,840	$-7,305
4 Bedroom	$1,163	$3,877	$46,520	+$1,375

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,145

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,145

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Clifton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,129

Studio

$543/mo

1 BR

$643/mo

2 BR

$775/mo

3 BR

$946/mo

4 BR

$1,163/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Clifton

Living in Clifton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $14,145 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Clifton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Clifton, a studio at $543/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $946/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $37,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $46,500 would position you well — though many residents in Clifton 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 Clifton, Tennessee.

With a total population of 2,622, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 365 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,000 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

365

Active civilian employees in Clifton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Clifton

What salary do I need to live in Clifton, Tennessee?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clifton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,000. The median household income in Clifton is $45,145.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Clifton on $45,145?

The affordability verdict for Clifton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.6%, meaning median earners have a $14,145 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Clifton is $643/month. With a median household income of $45,145, residents spend approximately 20.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Clifton?

A studio in Clifton rents for approximately $543/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,720 to afford this.

Is Clifton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,145 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Clifton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,000 to the local median household income.

How Clifton Compares

Other cities in Tennessee with salary requirements