Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Alba?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alba, you need to earn at least $27,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,313, which means the typical resident is $18,273 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 538

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$473	$1,577	$18,920	$-26,393
1 Bedroom	$561	$1,870	$22,440	$-22,873
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$676	$2,253	$27,040	$-18,273
3 Bedroom	$825	$2,750	$33,000	$-12,313
4 Bedroom	$1,014	$3,380	$40,560	$-4,753

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,313

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$27,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,273

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Alba's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,133

Studio

$473/mo

1 BR

$561/mo

2 BR

$676/mo

3 BR

$825/mo

4 BR

$1,014/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Alba

Living in Alba is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,273 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Alba typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Alba, a studio at $473/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $825/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $33,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $40,560 would position you well — though many residents in Alba 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 Alba, Texas.

With a total population of 538, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 178 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $27,040 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

178

Active civilian employees in Alba

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Alba

What salary do I need to live in Alba, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Alba under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $27,040. The median household income in Alba is $45,313.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Alba on $45,313?

The affordability verdict for Alba is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.9%, meaning median earners have a $18,273 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Alba is $561/month. With a median household income of $45,313, residents spend approximately 17.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Alba?

A studio in Alba rents for approximately $473/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,920 to afford this.

Is Alba considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,273 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Alba is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $27,040 to the local median household income.

How Alba Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements