Can A Chef Afford Rent in Altoona, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.2% of gross income.
Altoona rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa 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 Iowa cities have lower median rent than Altoona, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Altoona
View full rent data for Altoona, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Altoona, IA?
Median rent in Altoona is $1,583 a month. A typical chef in Iowa earns about $59,018 a year, which makes that rent 32.2% 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 Altoona?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Iowa (~$59,018/yr) supports up to $1,475 a month in rent. Altoona's current median rent is $1,583/mo, which is $108/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Altoona?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a chef in Iowa works roughly 55.8 hours a month to cover Altoona's median rent of $1,583.
Where is rent cheaper than Altoona for a chef?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Iowa City ($1,582/mo), Iowa City ($1,570/mo), Waukee ($1,570/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.