Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hidalgo?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hidalgo, you need to earn at least $40,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,919, which means the typical resident is $5,839 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 14,075

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$701	$2,337	$28,040	$-17,879
1 Bedroom	$832	$2,773	$33,280	$-12,639
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,002	$3,340	$40,080	$-5,839
3 Bedroom	$1,222	$4,073	$48,880	+$2,961
4 Bedroom	$1,503	$5,010	$60,120	+$14,201

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,919

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,839

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hidalgo's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,148

Studio

$701/mo

1 BR

$832/mo

2 BR

$1,002/mo

3 BR

$1,222/mo

4 BR

$1,503/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hidalgo

Renting in Hidalgo, Texas is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $40,080/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $45,919, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($832/month) or studio ($701/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Hidalgo pushes the required income to $48,880.

For comfortable living in Hidalgo without financial stress, target a household income of at least $60,120 — 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 Hidalgo, Texas.

With a total population of 14,075, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 6,088 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,080 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

6,088

Active civilian employees in Hidalgo

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hidalgo

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hidalgo under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,080. The median household income in Hidalgo is $45,919.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hidalgo on $45,919?

The affordability verdict for Hidalgo is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.2%, meaning median earners have a $5,839 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Hidalgo is $832/month. With a median household income of $45,919, residents spend approximately 26.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hidalgo?

A studio in Hidalgo rents for approximately $701/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,040 to afford this.

Is Hidalgo considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,839 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Hidalgo is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,080 to the local median household income.

How Hidalgo Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements