Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Morgantown?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Morgantown, you need to earn at least $43,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $41,103, which means the typical resident is $2,337 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 30,220

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$760	$2,533	$30,400	$-10,703
1 Bedroom	$901	$3,003	$36,040	$-5,063
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,086	$3,620	$43,440	+$2,337
3 Bedroom	$1,325	$4,417	$53,000	+$11,897
4 Bedroom	$1,629	$5,430	$65,160	+$24,057

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$41,103

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$2,337

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Morgantown's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,028

Studio

$760/mo

1 BR

$901/mo

2 BR

$1,086/mo

3 BR

$1,325/mo

4 BR

$1,629/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Morgantown

Renting in Morgantown is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $2,337, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $760/month.

If you're relocating to Morgantown, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($760–$901/month) unless your income exceeds $43,440. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $543/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Morgantown is approximately $65,160. 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 Morgantown, West Virginia.

With a total population of 30,220, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 14,305 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,440 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

14,305

Active civilian employees in Morgantown

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Morgantown

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Morgantown under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,440. The median household income in Morgantown is $41,103.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Morgantown on $41,103?

The affordability verdict for Morgantown is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.7%, meaning there's a $2,337 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Morgantown is $901/month. With a median household income of $41,103, residents spend approximately 31.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Morgantown?

A studio in Morgantown rents for approximately $760/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,400 to afford this.

Is Morgantown considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $2,337 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Morgantown is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,440 to the local median household income.

How Morgantown Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements