Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Menasha?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Menasha, you need to earn at least $39,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $62,514, which means the typical resident is $22,994 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 18,125

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$692	$2,307	$27,680	$-34,834
1 Bedroom	$820	$2,733	$32,800	$-29,714
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$988	$3,293	$39,520	$-22,994
3 Bedroom	$1,205	$4,017	$48,200	$-14,314
4 Bedroom	$1,482	$4,940	$59,280	$-3,234

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$62,514

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$22,994

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Menasha's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,563

Studio

$692/mo

1 BR

$820/mo

2 BR

$988/mo

3 BR

$1,205/mo

4 BR

$1,482/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Menasha

Menasha, Wisconsin stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $62,514 significantly exceeds the $39,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $22,994 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Menasha, a studio at $692/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,205/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $48,200.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $59,280 would position you well — though many residents in Menasha manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

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 Menasha, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 18,125, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 9,973 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,520 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

9,973

Active civilian employees in Menasha

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Menasha

What salary do I need to live in Menasha, Wisconsin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Menasha under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,520. The median household income in Menasha is $62,514.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Menasha on $62,514?

The affordability verdict for Menasha is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.0%, meaning median earners have a $22,994 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Menasha is $820/month. With a median household income of $62,514, residents spend approximately 19.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Menasha?

A studio in Menasha rents for approximately $692/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,680 to afford this.

Is Menasha considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $22,994 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Menasha is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,520 to the local median household income.

How Menasha Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements