Can A Chef Afford Rent in Independence, MO?
Comfortably affordable — rent takes 27.8% of gross income.
Independence 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 Independence, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Independence
View full rent data for Independence, MO →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Independence, MO?
Median rent in Independence is $1,368 a month. A typical chef in Missouri earns about $59,018 a year, which makes that rent 27.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is yes.
How much rent can a chef afford in Independence?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Missouri (~$59,018/yr) supports up to $1,475 a month in rent. Independence's current median rent is $1,368/mo, which leaves a $107/mo buffer.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Independence?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a chef in Missouri works roughly 48.2 hours a month to cover Independence's median rent of $1,368.
Where is rent cheaper than Independence for a chef?
Nearby Missouri cities with lower median rent include Ballwin ($1,367/mo), Saint Charles ($1,367/mo), Concord ($1,367/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.