Can A Chef Afford Rent in Lewiston, ID?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.9% of gross income.
Lewiston rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Idaho 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 Idaho cities have lower median rent than Lewiston, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Lewiston
View full rent data for Lewiston, ID →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Lewiston, ID?
Median rent in Lewiston is $1,661 a month. A typical chef in Idaho earns about $57,094 a year, which makes that rent 34.9% 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 Lewiston?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Idaho (~$57,094/yr) supports up to $1,427 a month in rent. Lewiston's current median rent is $1,661/mo, which is $234/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Lewiston?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a chef in Idaho works roughly 60.5 hours a month to cover Lewiston's median rent of $1,661.
Where is rent cheaper than Lewiston for a chef?
Nearby Idaho cities with lower median rent include Post Falls ($1,660/mo), Caldwell ($1,659/mo), Caldwell ($1,658/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.