Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Cactus?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cactus, you need to earn at least $33,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $49,605, which means the typical resident is $15,925 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,055

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$589	$1,963	$23,560	$-26,045
1 Bedroom	$699	$2,330	$27,960	$-21,645
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$842	$2,807	$33,680	$-15,925
3 Bedroom	$1,027	$3,423	$41,080	$-8,525
4 Bedroom	$1,263	$4,210	$50,520	+$915

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$49,605

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,925

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Cactus's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,240

Studio

$589/mo

1 BR

$699/mo

2 BR

$842/mo

3 BR

$1,027/mo

4 BR

$1,263/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Cactus

Living in Cactus is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,925 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Cactus typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Cactus, a studio at $589/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,027/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $41,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $50,520 would position you well — though many residents in Cactus 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 Cactus, Texas.

With a total population of 3,055, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,458 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,680 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

1,458

Active civilian employees in Cactus

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Cactus

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cactus under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,680. The median household income in Cactus is $49,605.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Cactus on $49,605?

The affordability verdict for Cactus is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.4%, meaning median earners have a $15,925 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Cactus is $699/month. With a median household income of $49,605, residents spend approximately 20.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Cactus?

A studio in Cactus rents for approximately $589/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,560 to afford this.

Is Cactus considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,925 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Cactus is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,680 to the local median household income.

How Cactus Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements