Can A Chef Afford Rent in University City, MO?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 31% of gross income.
University City rent: June 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 University City, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for University City
View full rent data for University City, MO →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in University City, MO?
Median rent in University City is $1,527 a month. A typical chef in Missouri earns about $59,018 a year, which makes that rent 31% 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 University City?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Missouri (~$59,018/yr) supports up to $1,475 a month in rent. University City's current median rent is $1,527/mo, which is $52/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in University City?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a chef in Missouri works roughly 53.8 hours a month to cover University City's median rent of $1,527.
Where is rent cheaper than University City for a chef?
Nearby Missouri cities with lower median rent include Republic ($1,526/mo), Blue Springs ($1,526/mo), Nixa ($1,525/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.