Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in College Station?

To afford a 2-bedroom in College Station, you need to earn at least $54,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,397, which means the typical resident is $2,003 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 120,451

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$952	$3,173	$38,080	$-14,317
1 Bedroom	$1,129	$3,763	$45,160	$-7,237
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,360	$4,533	$54,400	+$2,003
3 Bedroom	$1,659	$5,530	$66,360	+$13,963
4 Bedroom	$2,040	$6,800	$81,600	+$29,203

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,397

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$54,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$2,003

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in College Station

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with College Station's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,310

Studio

$952/mo

1 BR

$1,129/mo

2 BR

$1,360/mo

3 BR

$1,659/mo

4 BR

$2,040/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in College Station.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to College Station

Renting in College Station is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $2,003, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $952/month.

If you're relocating to College Station, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($952–$1,129/month) unless your income exceeds $54,400. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $680/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in College Station is approximately $81,600. 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 College Station, Texas.

With a total population of 120,451, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 60,214 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $54,400 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

60,214

Active civilian employees in College Station

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in College Station

What salary do I need to live in College Station, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in College Station under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $54,400. The median household income in College Station is $52,397.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in College Station on $52,397?

The affordability verdict for College Station is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.1%, meaning there's a $2,003 income gap.

What is the average rent in College Station compared to median income?

The median gross rent in College Station is $1,129/month. With a median household income of $52,397, residents spend approximately 31.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in College Station?

A studio in College Station rents for approximately $952/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $38,080 to afford this.

Is College Station considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $2,003 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", College Station is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $54,400 to the local median household income.

How College Station Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements