Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Moab?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Moab, you need to earn at least $46,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,385, which means the typical resident is $5,985 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 5,329

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$812	$2,707	$32,480	$-19,905
1 Bedroom	$963	$3,210	$38,520	$-13,865
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,160	$3,867	$46,400	$-5,985
3 Bedroom	$1,415	$4,717	$56,600	+$4,215
4 Bedroom	$1,740	$5,800	$69,600	+$17,215

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,385

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$46,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,985

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Moab's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,310

Studio

$812/mo

1 BR

$963/mo

2 BR

$1,160/mo

3 BR

$1,415/mo

4 BR

$1,740/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Moab

Renting in Moab, Utah is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $46,400/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $52,385, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($963/month) or studio ($812/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Moab pushes the required income to $56,600.

For comfortable living in Moab without financial stress, target a household income of at least $69,600 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Utah'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 Moab, Utah.

With a total population of 5,329, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,205 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $46,400 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

3,205

Active civilian employees in Moab

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Moab

What salary do I need to live in Moab, Utah?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Moab under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $46,400. The median household income in Moab is $52,385.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Moab on $52,385?

The affordability verdict for Moab is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.6%, meaning median earners have a $5,985 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Moab is $963/month. With a median household income of $52,385, residents spend approximately 26.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Moab?

A studio in Moab rents for approximately $812/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,480 to afford this.

Is Moab considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,985 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Moab is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $46,400 to the local median household income.

How Moab Compares

Other cities in Utah with salary requirements