Can A Chef Afford Rent in Orono, ME?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.7% of gross income.
Orono rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine 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 Maine cities have lower median rent than Orono, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Orono
View full rent data for Orono, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Orono, ME?
Median rent in Orono is $1,625 a month. A typical chef in Maine earns about $59,660 a year, which makes that rent 32.7% 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 Orono?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Maine (~$59,660/yr) supports up to $1,492 a month in rent. Orono's current median rent is $1,625/mo, which is $133/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Orono?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a chef in Maine works roughly 56.7 hours a month to cover Orono's median rent of $1,625.
Where is rent cheaper than Orono for a chef?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Auburn ($1,622/mo), Springvale ($1,620/mo), Auburn ($1,611/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.