Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Arlington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Arlington, you need to earn at least $62,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $71,736, which means the typical resident is $9,216 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 393,469

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,094	$3,647	$43,760	$-27,976
1 Bedroom	$1,297	$4,323	$51,880	$-19,856
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,563	$5,210	$62,520	$-9,216
3 Bedroom	$1,907	$6,357	$76,280	+$4,544
4 Bedroom	$2,345	$7,817	$93,800	+$22,064

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$71,736

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$62,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,216

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Arlington's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,793

Studio

$1,094/mo

1 BR

$1,297/mo

2 BR

$1,563/mo

3 BR

$1,907/mo

4 BR

$2,345/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Arlington

Renting in Arlington, Texas is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $62,520/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $71,736, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,297/month) or studio ($1,094/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Arlington pushes the required income to $76,280.

For comfortable living in Arlington without financial stress, target a household income of at least $93,780 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Texas's cost of living.

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 Arlington, Texas.

With a total population of 393,469, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 201,941 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $62,520 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

201,941

Active civilian employees in Arlington

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Arlington

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Arlington under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $62,520. The median household income in Arlington is $71,736.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Arlington on $71,736?

The affordability verdict for Arlington is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.1%, meaning median earners have a $9,216 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Arlington is $1,297/month. With a median household income of $71,736, residents spend approximately 26.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Arlington?

A studio in Arlington rents for approximately $1,094/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $43,760 to afford this.

Is Arlington considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,216 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Arlington is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $62,520 to the local median household income.

How Arlington Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements