Can A Chef Afford Rent in Downey, CA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.7% of gross income.
Downey rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (California 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 California cities have lower median rent than Downey, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Downey
View full rent data for Downey, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Downey, CA?
Median rent in Downey is $2,312 a month. A typical chef in California earns about $75,697 a year, which makes that rent 36.7% 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 Downey?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in California (~$75,697/yr) supports up to $1,892 a month in rent. Downey's current median rent is $2,312/mo, which is $420/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Downey?
At an hourly equivalent of about $36 an hour, a chef in California works roughly 63.5 hours a month to cover Downey's median rent of $2,312.
Where is rent cheaper than Downey for a chef?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Loma Linda ($2,311/mo), Loma Linda ($2,311/mo), Bellflower ($2,311/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.