Can A Chef Afford Rent in Elizabeth, NJ?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 37.7% of gross income.
Elizabeth rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (New Jersey 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 New Jersey cities have lower median rent than Elizabeth, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Elizabeth
View full rent data for Elizabeth, NJ →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Elizabeth, NJ?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $2,255 a month. A typical chef in New Jersey earns about $71,848 a year, which makes that rent 37.7% 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?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in New Jersey (~$71,848/yr) supports up to $1,796 a month in rent. Elizabeth's current median rent is $2,255/mo, which is $459/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Elizabeth?
At an hourly equivalent of about $35 an hour, a chef in New Jersey works roughly 65.3 hours a month to cover Elizabeth's median rent of $2,255.
Where is rent cheaper than Elizabeth for a chef?
Nearby New Jersey cities with lower median rent include Sicklerville ($2,254/mo), Mt Laurel Township ($2,254/mo), Highland Park ($2,253/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.