Can A Chef Afford Rent in Benton, AR?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.3% of gross income.
Benton rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Arkansas state estimate).
About rent and a chef salary
Chef pay varies sharply by restaurant type, with executive chefs at high-end establishments earning materially above the BLS mean. At the national-average chef salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,604 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Arkansas cities have lower median rent than Benton, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Benton
View full rent data for Benton, AR →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Benton, AR?
Median rent in Benton is $1,476 a month. A typical chef in Arkansas earns about $53,245 a year, which makes that rent 33.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a chef afford in Benton?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Arkansas (~$53,245/yr) supports up to $1,331 a month in rent. Benton's current median rent is $1,476/mo, which is $145/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Benton?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a chef in Arkansas works roughly 57.7 hours a month to cover Benton's median rent of $1,476.
Where is rent cheaper than Benton for a chef?
Nearby Arkansas cities with lower median rent include Prairie Grove ($1,464/mo), Hot Springs Village ($1,452/mo), Cabot ($1,448/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.