Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fredericksburg?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fredericksburg, you need to earn at least $70,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $83,445, which means the typical resident is $13,005 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 28,258

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,233	$4,110	$49,320	$-34,125
1 Bedroom	$1,462	$4,873	$58,480	$-24,965
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,761	$5,870	$70,440	$-13,005
3 Bedroom	$2,148	$7,160	$85,920	+$2,475
4 Bedroom	$2,642	$8,807	$105,680	+$22,235

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$83,445

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$70,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,005

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fredericksburg's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,086

Studio

$1,233/mo

1 BR

$1,462/mo

2 BR

$1,761/mo

3 BR

$2,148/mo

4 BR

$2,642/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fredericksburg

Renting in Fredericksburg, Virginia is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $70,440/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $83,445, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,462/month) or studio ($1,233/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Fredericksburg pushes the required income to $85,920.

For comfortable living in Fredericksburg without financial stress, target a household income of at least $105,660 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Virginia'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 Fredericksburg, Virginia.

With a total population of 28,258, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 14,745 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $70,440 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

14,745

Active civilian employees in Fredericksburg

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fredericksburg

What salary do I need to live in Fredericksburg, Virginia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fredericksburg under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $70,440. The median household income in Fredericksburg is $83,445.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fredericksburg on $83,445?

The affordability verdict for Fredericksburg is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.3%, meaning median earners have a $13,005 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Fredericksburg is $1,462/month. With a median household income of $83,445, residents spend approximately 25.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fredericksburg?

A studio in Fredericksburg rents for approximately $1,233/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $49,320 to afford this.

Is Fredericksburg considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,005 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Fredericksburg is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $70,440 to the local median household income.

How Fredericksburg Compares

Other cities in Virginia with salary requirements