Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Burlington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Burlington, you need to earn at least $73,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $68,737, which means the typical resident is $4,983 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 9,361

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,290	$4,300	$51,600	$-17,137
1 Bedroom	$1,530	$5,100	$61,200	$-7,537
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,843	$6,143	$73,720	+$4,983
3 Bedroom	$2,248	$7,493	$89,920	+$21,183
4 Bedroom	$2,765	$9,217	$110,600	+$41,863

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$68,737

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$73,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$4,983

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 32.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Burlington's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,718

Studio

$1,290/mo

1 BR

$1,530/mo

2 BR

$1,843/mo

3 BR

$2,248/mo

4 BR

$2,765/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Burlington

Renting in Burlington is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $4,983, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,290/month.

If you're relocating to Burlington, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,290–$1,530/month) unless your income exceeds $73,720. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $922/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Burlington is approximately $110,580. 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 Burlington, Washington.

With a total population of 9,361, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,612 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $73,720 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

4,612

Active civilian employees in Burlington

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Burlington

What salary do I need to live in Burlington, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Burlington under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $73,720. The median household income in Burlington is $68,737.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Burlington on $68,737?

The affordability verdict for Burlington is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 32.2%, meaning there's a $4,983 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Burlington is $1,530/month. With a median household income of $68,737, residents spend approximately 32.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Burlington?

A studio in Burlington rents for approximately $1,290/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $51,600 to afford this.

Is Burlington considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $4,983 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Burlington is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $73,720 to the local median household income.

How Burlington Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements