Can A Bartender Afford Rent in Elizabeth City, NC?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 55.4% of gross income.
Elizabeth City rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina 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 North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Elizabeth City, which improves the affordability math on a bartender salary:
Compare with full rent data for Elizabeth City
View full rent data for Elizabeth City, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a bartender afford rent in Elizabeth City, NC?
Median rent in Elizabeth City is $1,524 a month. A typical bartender in North Carolina earns about $33,022 a year, which makes that rent 55.4% 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 Elizabeth City?
Using the 30% rule, a bartender salary in North Carolina (~$33,022/yr) supports up to $826 a month in rent. Elizabeth City's current median rent is $1,524/mo, which is $698/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bartender work to cover rent in Elizabeth City?
At an hourly equivalent of about $16 an hour, a bartender in North Carolina works roughly 96 hours a month to cover Elizabeth City's median rent of $1,524.
Where is rent cheaper than Elizabeth City for a bartender?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include New Bern ($1,522/mo), Elon ($1,522/mo), New Bern ($1,520/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bartender salary.