Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Sturgeon Bay?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sturgeon Bay, you need to earn at least $45,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $55,791, which means the typical resident is $9,911 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 9,620

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$803	$2,677	$32,120	$-23,671
1 Bedroom	$952	$3,173	$38,080	$-17,711
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,147	$3,823	$45,880	$-9,911
3 Bedroom	$1,399	$4,663	$55,960	+$169
4 Bedroom	$1,721	$5,737	$68,840	+$13,049

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$55,791

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,911

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Sturgeon Bay

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Sturgeon Bay's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,395

Studio

$803/mo

1 BR

$952/mo

2 BR

$1,147/mo

3 BR

$1,399/mo

4 BR

$1,721/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Sturgeon Bay.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Sturgeon Bay

Living in Sturgeon Bay is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $9,911 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Sturgeon Bay typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Sturgeon Bay, a studio at $803/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,399/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $55,960.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $68,820 would position you well — though many residents in Sturgeon Bay 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 Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 9,620, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,790 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,880 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

4,790

Active civilian employees in Sturgeon Bay

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Sturgeon Bay

What salary do I need to live in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sturgeon Bay under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,880. The median household income in Sturgeon Bay is $55,791.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Sturgeon Bay on $55,791?

The affordability verdict for Sturgeon Bay is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.7%, meaning median earners have a $9,911 surplus.

What is the average rent in Sturgeon Bay compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Sturgeon Bay is $952/month. With a median household income of $55,791, residents spend approximately 24.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Sturgeon Bay?

A studio in Sturgeon Bay rents for approximately $803/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,120 to afford this.

Is Sturgeon Bay considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,911 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Sturgeon Bay is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,880 to the local median household income.

How Sturgeon Bay Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements