Here's how much you need to make to afford to pay rent in 11 of the largest US cities

Life in a big city comes with perks, including job opportunities, public transportation and a multitude of museums, restaurants and other cultural activities. The downside is that city life will cost you.

A new report from SmartAsset calculated the income required to reasonably afford rent on a two-bedroom apartment in the largest U.S. cities, using data from RentCafé and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The list assumes that residents spend no more than the suggested 30 percent of their income on housing.

Here's the suggested take-home pay required to afford a two-bedroom apartment, without being "rent-burdened," in 11 of the biggest U.S. cities.

Income needed: $53,914
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,258

Income needed: $61,329
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,431

Income needed: $67,371
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,572

Income needed: $73,800
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,722

Income needed: $86,786
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,025

Income needed: $96,600
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,254

Income needed: $103,543
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,416

Income needed: $109,543
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,556

Income needed: $135,686
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,166

Income needed: $164,614
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,841

Income needed: $179,529
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $4,189

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