Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in University Place?

To afford a 2-bedroom in University Place, you need to earn at least $75,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $89,658, which means the typical resident is $14,218 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 34,696

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,320	$4,400	$52,800	$-36,858
1 Bedroom	$1,565	$5,217	$62,600	$-27,058
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,886	$6,287	$75,440	$-14,218
3 Bedroom	$2,301	$7,670	$92,040	+$2,382
4 Bedroom	$2,829	$9,430	$113,160	+$23,502

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$89,658

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$75,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,218

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in University Place

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with University Place's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,241

Studio

$1,320/mo

1 BR

$1,565/mo

2 BR

$1,886/mo

3 BR

$2,301/mo

4 BR

$2,829/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in University Place.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to University Place

Renting in University Place, Washington is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $75,440/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $89,658, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,565/month) or studio ($1,320/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in University Place pushes the required income to $92,040.

For comfortable living in University Place without financial stress, target a household income of at least $113,160 — 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 University Place, Washington.

With a total population of 34,696, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 16,575 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $75,440 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

16,575

Active civilian employees in University Place

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in University Place

What salary do I need to live in University Place, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in University Place under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $75,440. The median household income in University Place is $89,658.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in University Place on $89,658?

The affordability verdict for University Place is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.2%, meaning median earners have a $14,218 surplus.

What is the average rent in University Place compared to median income?

The median gross rent in University Place is $1,565/month. With a median household income of $89,658, residents spend approximately 25.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in University Place?

A studio in University Place rents for approximately $1,320/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $52,800 to afford this.

Is University Place considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,218 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", University Place is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $75,440 to the local median household income.

How University Place Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements