Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Montgomery?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Montgomery, you need to earn at least $29,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $27,174, which means the typical resident is $2,386 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,706

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$517	$1,723	$20,680	$-6,494
1 Bedroom	$613	$2,043	$24,520	$-2,654
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$739	$2,463	$29,560	+$2,386
3 Bedroom	$902	$3,007	$36,080	+$8,906
4 Bedroom	$1,109	$3,697	$44,360	+$17,186

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$27,174

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$29,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$2,386

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 32.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Montgomery's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$679

Studio

$517/mo

1 BR

$613/mo

2 BR

$739/mo

3 BR

$902/mo

4 BR

$1,109/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Montgomery

Renting in Montgomery is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $2,386, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $517/month.

If you're relocating to Montgomery, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($517–$613/month) unless your income exceeds $29,560. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $370/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Montgomery is approximately $44,340. 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 Montgomery, West Virginia.

With a total population of 1,706, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 533 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $29,560 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

533

Active civilian employees in Montgomery

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Montgomery

What salary do I need to live in Montgomery, West Virginia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Montgomery under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $29,560. The median household income in Montgomery is $27,174.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Montgomery on $27,174?

The affordability verdict for Montgomery is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 32.6%, meaning there's a $2,386 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Montgomery is $613/month. With a median household income of $27,174, residents spend approximately 32.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Montgomery?

A studio in Montgomery rents for approximately $517/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,680 to afford this.

Is Montgomery considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $2,386 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Montgomery is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $29,560 to the local median household income.

How Montgomery Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements