Can A Chef Afford Rent in Highlands Ranch, CO?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 46.9% of gross income.
Highlands Ranch rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Colorado 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 Colorado cities have lower median rent than Highlands Ranch, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Highlands Ranch
View full rent data for Highlands Ranch, CO →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Highlands Ranch, CO?
Median rent in Highlands Ranch is $2,635 a month. A typical chef in Colorado earns about $67,358 a year, which makes that rent 46.9% 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 Highlands Ranch?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Colorado (~$67,358/yr) supports up to $1,684 a month in rent. Highlands Ranch's current median rent is $2,635/mo, which is $951/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Highlands Ranch?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a chef in Colorado works roughly 81.4 hours a month to cover Highlands Ranch's median rent of $2,635.
Where is rent cheaper than Highlands Ranch for a chef?
Nearby Colorado cities with lower median rent include Louisville ($2,634/mo), Evergreen ($2,632/mo), Boulder ($2,632/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.