Can A Chef Afford Rent in Golden Valley, MN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.9% of gross income.
Golden Valley rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Minnesota 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 Minnesota cities have lower median rent than Golden Valley, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Golden Valley
View full rent data for Golden Valley, MN →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Golden Valley, MN?
Median rent in Golden Valley is $1,940 a month. A typical chef in Minnesota earns about $66,716 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 Golden Valley?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Minnesota (~$66,716/yr) supports up to $1,668 a month in rent. Golden Valley's current median rent is $1,940/mo, which is $272/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Golden Valley?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a chef in Minnesota works roughly 60.5 hours a month to cover Golden Valley's median rent of $1,940.
Where is rent cheaper than Golden Valley for a chef?
Nearby Minnesota cities with lower median rent include Edina ($1,939/mo), Inver Grove Heights ($1,939/mo), Blaine ($1,939/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.