Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Somerville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Somerville, you need to earn at least $34,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $33,750, which means the typical resident is $530 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,385

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$600	$2,000	$24,000	$-9,750
1 Bedroom	$711	$2,370	$28,440	$-5,310
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$857	$2,857	$34,280	+$530
3 Bedroom	$1,046	$3,487	$41,840	+$8,090
4 Bedroom	$1,286	$4,287	$51,440	+$17,690

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$33,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$34,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$530

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Somerville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$844

Studio

$600/mo

1 BR

$711/mo

2 BR

$857/mo

3 BR

$1,046/mo

4 BR

$1,286/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Somerville

Renting in Somerville is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $530, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $600/month.

If you're relocating to Somerville, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($600–$711/month) unless your income exceeds $34,280. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $429/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Somerville is approximately $51,420. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Somerville, Tennessee.

With a total population of 3,385, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,233 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $34,280 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

1,233

Active civilian employees in Somerville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Somerville

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Somerville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $34,280. The median household income in Somerville is $33,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Somerville on $33,750?

The affordability verdict for Somerville is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.5%, meaning there's a $530 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Somerville is $711/month. With a median household income of $33,750, residents spend approximately 30.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Somerville?

A studio in Somerville rents for approximately $600/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,000 to afford this.

Is Somerville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $530 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Somerville is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $34,280 to the local median household income.

How Somerville Compares

Other cities in Tennessee with salary requirements