Can A Chef Afford Rent in Hampstead, NC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 37.9% of gross income.
Hampstead rent: June 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 Hampstead, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Hampstead
View full rent data for Hampstead, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Hampstead, NC?
Median rent in Hampstead is $1,904 a month. A typical chef in North Carolina earns about $60,301 a year, which makes that rent 37.9% 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 Hampstead?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in North Carolina (~$60,301/yr) supports up to $1,508 a month in rent. Hampstead's current median rent is $1,904/mo, which is $396/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Hampstead?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a chef in North Carolina works roughly 65.7 hours a month to cover Hampstead's median rent of $1,904.
Where is rent cheaper than Hampstead for a chef?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include Rural Hall ($1,903/mo), Holly Springs ($1,903/mo), Huntersville ($1,902/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.