Can A Chef Afford Rent in North Liberty, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.4% of gross income.
North Liberty rent: July 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 North Liberty, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for North Liberty
View full rent data for North Liberty, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in North Liberty, IA?
Median rent in North Liberty is $1,692 a month. A typical chef in Iowa earns about $59,018 a year, which makes that rent 34.4% 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 North Liberty?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Iowa (~$59,018/yr) supports up to $1,475 a month in rent. North Liberty's current median rent is $1,692/mo, which is $217/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in North Liberty?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a chef in Iowa works roughly 59.6 hours a month to cover North Liberty's median rent of $1,692.
Where is rent cheaper than North Liberty for a chef?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Waukee ($1,665/mo), Altoona ($1,639/mo), Waukee ($1,636/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.