Zillow: A $100,000 Income Can Afford 77% of Rentals, Versus 31% at the Typical Renter Income

A household earning $100,000 can afford 77% of rental listings nationally, compared with 31% for a household at the typical renter income of $58,000, according to a Zillow Research analysis published Oct. 7, 2026. The figures come from Zillow listings from January through August 2026.

Why this matters: For renters weighing a move, a raise or a future purchase, the study shows how much income changes the choices available, and how differently that plays out from one metro to the next.

Cover: Editorial illustration of rental housing types. Illustration created for mortgage.news; it does not depict a real company, person, property or document.

How Zillow measured it

Zillow used the common guideline of spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. On $100,000 a year, that is a budget of about $2,500 a month. Zillow says the typical market rent nationally is $1,932, and the median listed rent in 2026 is lower, at $1,750, because smaller units list more often. These are Zillow's numbers; the 30% rule is a guideline, not a lender requirement.

What $2,500 a month gets

For the broader market, Zillow put the split at 19% single-family, 16% condos and 65% apartments. It said the $2,500 budget unlocks nearly 20% more living space than the typical renter can access.

Location changes everything

Zillow reported that in Memphis, a $2,500 budget reaches a median of about 2,100 square feet, usually a single-family home. In San Jose, where the median list rent is $3,539, the same budget reaches a median of 650 square feet and one bedroom.

The report also notes that in high-cost markets like coastal California, 47% of renter households earning $85,000 to $99,000 spend more than 30% of income on rent, falling to 35% for those earning $100,000 to $115,000. Zillow links the gap between metros mainly to housing supply. That is Zillow's interpretation, and the full report lays out its reasoning.

What the study does not show

The analysis covers listings, not signed leases, so it describes what was advertised rather than what renters actually paid. It also does not compare renting with buying, and it does not forecast where rents go next. Utilities, parking and fees can push real monthly costs above the listed rent.

Practical takeaway

For renters: run the 30% math on your own gross income, then compare listings by space and type, not only rent. For future buyers: rent that stays well under 30% of income leaves more room to save for a down payment and closing costs, and lenders will look at your total debts when you apply.