Can A Bartender Afford Rent in Olympia, WA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 61.4% of gross income.
Olympia rent: June 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 Olympia, which improves the affordability math on a bartender salary:
Compare with full rent data for Olympia
View full rent data for Olympia, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a bartender afford rent in Olympia, WA?
Median rent in Olympia is $2,013 a month. A typical bartender in Washington earns about $39,346 a year, which makes that rent 61.4% 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 Olympia?
Using the 30% rule, a bartender salary in Washington (~$39,346/yr) supports up to $984 a month in rent. Olympia's current median rent is $2,013/mo, which is $1,029/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bartender work to cover rent in Olympia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $19 an hour, a bartender in Washington works roughly 106.4 hours a month to cover Olympia's median rent of $2,013.
Where is rent cheaper than Olympia for a bartender?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Ridgefield ($2,011/mo), Burlington ($2,011/mo), Clover Creek ($2,011/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bartender salary.