Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Renton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Renton, you need to earn at least $89,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $92,292, which means the typical resident is $2,452 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 105,355

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,572	$5,240	$62,880	$-29,412
1 Bedroom	$1,864	$6,213	$74,560	$-17,732
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,246	$7,487	$89,840	$-2,452
3 Bedroom	$2,740	$9,133	$109,600	+$17,308
4 Bedroom	$3,369	$11,230	$134,760	+$42,468

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$92,292

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$89,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$2,452

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 29.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Renton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,307

Studio

$1,572/mo

1 BR

$1,864/mo

2 BR

$2,246/mo

3 BR

$2,740/mo

4 BR

$3,369/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Renton

Renton is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $2,452. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,864/month) or studio ($1,572/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Renton pushes the required income to $109,600.

For comfortable living in Renton without financial stress, target a household income of at least $134,760 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Washington'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 Renton, Washington.

With a total population of 105,355, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 58,081 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $89,840 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

58,081

Active civilian employees in Renton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Renton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Renton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $89,840. The median household income in Renton is $92,292.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Renton on $92,292?

The affordability verdict for Renton is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 29.2%, meaning median earners have a $2,452 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Renton is $1,864/month. With a median household income of $92,292, residents spend approximately 29.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Renton?

A studio in Renton rents for approximately $1,572/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $62,880 to afford this.

Is Renton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $2,452 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Renton is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $89,840 to the local median household income.

How Renton Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements