Can A Chef Afford Rent in Waukee, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.6% of gross income.
Waukee 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 Waukee, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waukee
View full rent data for Waukee, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Waukee, IA?
Median rent in Waukee is $1,601 a month. A typical chef in Iowa earns about $59,018 a year, which makes that rent 32.6% 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 Waukee?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Iowa (~$59,018/yr) supports up to $1,475 a month in rent. Waukee's current median rent is $1,601/mo, which is $126/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Waukee?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a chef in Iowa works roughly 56.4 hours a month to cover Waukee's median rent of $1,601.
Where is rent cheaper than Waukee for a chef?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Altoona ($1,593/mo), Altoona ($1,577/mo), Altoona ($1,568/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.