Can A Bartender Afford Rent in Waukee, IA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 59.4% of gross income.
Waukee rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a bartender salary
Declared bartender pay sits below the rent threshold for a one-bedroom in most US cities. Actual tip income in high-volume bars and fine-dining can push real take-home substantially higher. At the national-average declared bartender salary, the 30% rule supports about $878 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than Waukee, which improves the affordability math on a bartender salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waukee
View full rent data for Waukee, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a bartender afford rent in Waukee, IA?
Median rent in Waukee is $1,601 a month. A typical bartender in Iowa earns about $32,320 a year, which makes that rent 59.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a bartender afford in Waukee?
Using the 30% rule, a bartender salary in Iowa (~$32,320/yr) supports up to $808 a month in rent. Waukee's current median rent is $1,601/mo, which is $793/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bartender work to cover rent in Waukee?
At an hourly equivalent of about $16 an hour, a bartender in Iowa works roughly 103 hours a month to cover Waukee's median rent of $1,601.
Where is rent cheaper than Waukee for a bartender?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Altoona ($1,593/mo), Altoona ($1,577/mo), Altoona ($1,568/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bartender salary.