Can A Chef Afford Rent in Elizabeth City, NC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.3% of gross income.
Elizabeth City rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina 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 North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Elizabeth City, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Elizabeth City
View full rent data for Elizabeth City, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Elizabeth City, NC?
Median rent in Elizabeth City is $1,524 a month. A typical chef in North Carolina earns about $60,301 a year, which makes that rent 30.3% 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 Elizabeth City?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in North Carolina (~$60,301/yr) supports up to $1,508 a month in rent. Elizabeth City's current median rent is $1,524/mo, which is $16/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Elizabeth City?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a chef in North Carolina works roughly 52.6 hours a month to cover Elizabeth City's median rent of $1,524.
Where is rent cheaper than Elizabeth City for a chef?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include New Bern ($1,522/mo), Elon ($1,522/mo), New Bern ($1,520/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.