Can A Bartender Afford Rent in Clayton, MO?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 66.5% of gross income.
Clayton rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Missouri 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 Missouri cities have lower median rent than Clayton, which improves the affordability math on a bartender salary:
Compare with full rent data for Clayton
View full rent data for Clayton, MO →Frequently asked questions
Can a bartender afford rent in Clayton, MO?
Median rent in Clayton is $1,790 a month. A typical bartender in Missouri earns about $32,320 a year, which makes that rent 66.5% 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 Clayton?
Using the 30% rule, a bartender salary in Missouri (~$32,320/yr) supports up to $808 a month in rent. Clayton's current median rent is $1,790/mo, which is $982/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bartender work to cover rent in Clayton?
At an hourly equivalent of about $16 an hour, a bartender in Missouri works roughly 115.2 hours a month to cover Clayton's median rent of $1,790.
Where is rent cheaper than Clayton for a bartender?
Nearby Missouri cities with lower median rent include O Fallon ($1,789/mo), Parkville ($1,789/mo), Raymore ($1,788/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bartender salary.