Can A Bartender Afford Rent in Ellensburg, WA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 53.7% of gross income.
Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg, which improves the affordability math on a bartender salary:
Compare with full rent data for Ellensburg
View full rent data for Ellensburg, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a bartender afford rent in Ellensburg, WA?
Median rent in Ellensburg is $1,762 a month. A typical bartender in Washington earns about $39,346 a year, which makes that rent 53.7% 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 Ellensburg?
Using the 30% rule, a bartender salary in Washington (~$39,346/yr) supports up to $984 a month in rent. Ellensburg's current median rent is $1,762/mo, which is $778/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bartender work to cover rent in Ellensburg?
At an hourly equivalent of about $19 an hour, a bartender in Washington works roughly 93.1 hours a month to cover Ellensburg's median rent of $1,762.
Where is rent cheaper than Ellensburg for a bartender?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Burien ($1,761/mo), Vancouver ($1,761/mo), Parkland ($1,761/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bartender salary.