How much of the GSA ceiling do you need just to cover rent? Markets ranked by break-even threshold — the lower, the more you keep.
How to read this
GSA Ceiling is the maximum tax-free stipend an agency can pay — not what you'll get. Your actual stipend depends on the assignment.
Avg Rent is the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) where available, or the HUD Fair Market Rent baseline.
Market Ratio shows how much higher observed rent is vs. the federal baseline. Under 1.0× = favorable. Over 1.2× = hot market where rent outpaces the government estimate.
Break-Even % is the minimum % of the GSA ceiling your stipend needs to cover rent. Lower = more room to keep the difference.