Can A Bartender Afford Rent in Arlington, WA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 67.4% of gross income.
Arlington rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington 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 Washington cities have lower median rent than Arlington, which improves the affordability math on a bartender salary:
Compare with full rent data for Arlington
View full rent data for Arlington, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a bartender afford rent in Arlington, WA?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,211 a month. A typical bartender in Washington earns about $39,346 a year, which makes that rent 67.4% 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 Arlington?
Using the 30% rule, a bartender salary in Washington (~$39,346/yr) supports up to $984 a month in rent. Arlington's current median rent is $2,211/mo, which is $1,227/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bartender work to cover rent in Arlington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $19 an hour, a bartender in Washington works roughly 116.9 hours a month to cover Arlington's median rent of $2,211.
Where is rent cheaper than Arlington for a bartender?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Burlington ($2,210/mo), Mill Creek ($2,210/mo), Washougal ($2,208/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bartender salary.