Can A Chef Afford Rent in Independence, OR?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.8% of gross income.
Independence rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Oregon 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 Oregon cities have lower median rent than Independence, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Independence
View full rent data for Independence, OR →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Independence, OR?
Median rent in Independence is $1,932 a month. A typical chef in Oregon earns about $66,716 a year, which makes that rent 34.8% 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 Independence?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Oregon (~$66,716/yr) supports up to $1,668 a month in rent. Independence's current median rent is $1,932/mo, which is $264/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Independence?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a chef in Oregon works roughly 60.2 hours a month to cover Independence's median rent of $1,932.
Where is rent cheaper than Independence for a chef?
Nearby Oregon cities with lower median rent include Oregon City ($1,931/mo), Oregon City ($1,930/mo), Hillsboro ($1,930/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.