Can A Chef Afford Rent in Helena, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.4% of gross income.
Helena rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana 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 Montana cities have lower median rent than Helena, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Helena
View full rent data for Helena, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Helena, MT?
Median rent in Helena is $1,663 a month. A typical chef in Montana earns about $56,452 a year, which makes that rent 35.4% 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 Helena?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Montana (~$56,452/yr) supports up to $1,411 a month in rent. Helena's current median rent is $1,663/mo, which is $252/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Helena?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a chef in Montana works roughly 61.3 hours a month to cover Helena's median rent of $1,663.
Where is rent cheaper than Helena for a chef?
Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Livingston ($1,600/mo), Missoula ($1,568/mo), Missoula ($1,550/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.