Can A Chef Afford Rent in Clayton, MO?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.4% of gross income.
Clayton rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Missouri 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 Missouri cities have lower median rent than Clayton, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Clayton
View full rent data for Clayton, MO →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Clayton, MO?
Median rent in Clayton is $1,790 a month. A typical chef in Missouri earns about $59,018 a year, which makes that rent 36.4% 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 Clayton?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Missouri (~$59,018/yr) supports up to $1,475 a month in rent. Clayton's current median rent is $1,790/mo, which is $315/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Clayton?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a chef in Missouri works roughly 63.1 hours a month to cover Clayton's median rent of $1,790.
Where is rent cheaper than Clayton for a chef?
Nearby Missouri cities with lower median rent include O Fallon ($1,789/mo), Parkville ($1,789/mo), Raymore ($1,788/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.