Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Metaline Falls?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Metaline Falls, you need to earn at least $28,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $28,250, which means the typical resident is $510 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 237

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$503	$1,677	$20,120	$-8,130
1 Bedroom	$597	$1,990	$23,880	$-4,370
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$719	$2,397	$28,760	+$510
3 Bedroom	$877	$2,923	$35,080	+$6,830
4 Bedroom	$1,079	$3,597	$43,160	+$14,910

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$28,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$28,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$510

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Metaline Falls

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Metaline Falls's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$706

Studio

$503/mo

1 BR

$597/mo

2 BR

$719/mo

3 BR

$877/mo

4 BR

$1,079/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Metaline Falls.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Metaline Falls

Renting in Metaline Falls is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $510, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $503/month.

If you're relocating to Metaline Falls, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($503–$597/month) unless your income exceeds $28,760. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $360/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Metaline Falls is approximately $43,140. 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 Metaline Falls, Washington.

With a total population of 237, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 46 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $28,760 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

Active civilian employees in Metaline Falls

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Metaline Falls

What salary do I need to live in Metaline Falls, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Metaline Falls under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $28,760. The median household income in Metaline Falls is $28,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Metaline Falls on $28,250?

The affordability verdict for Metaline Falls is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.5%, meaning there's a $510 income gap.

What is the average rent in Metaline Falls compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Metaline Falls is $597/month. With a median household income of $28,250, residents spend approximately 30.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Metaline Falls?

A studio in Metaline Falls rents for approximately $503/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,120 to afford this.

Is Metaline Falls considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $510 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Metaline Falls is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $28,760 to the local median household income.

How Metaline Falls Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements