Can A Chef Afford Rent in Des Plaines, IL?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 37.2% of gross income.
Des Plaines rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Illinois 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 Illinois cities have lower median rent than Des Plaines, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Des Plaines
View full rent data for Des Plaines, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Des Plaines, IL?
Median rent in Des Plaines is $2,031 a month. A typical chef in Illinois earns about $65,433 a year, which makes that rent 37.2% 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 Des Plaines?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Illinois (~$65,433/yr) supports up to $1,636 a month in rent. Des Plaines's current median rent is $2,031/mo, which is $395/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Des Plaines?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a chef in Illinois works roughly 64.6 hours a month to cover Des Plaines's median rent of $2,031.
Where is rent cheaper than Des Plaines for a chef?
Nearby Illinois cities with lower median rent include Lockport ($2,029/mo), Orland Park ($2,027/mo), Oak Park ($2,027/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.