Can A Chef Afford Rent in Providence, RI?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 41.2% of gross income.
Providence rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island cities have lower median rent than Providence, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Providence
View full rent data for Providence, RI →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Providence, RI?
Median rent in Providence is $2,293 a month. A typical chef in Rhode Island earns about $66,716 a year, which makes that rent 41.2% 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 Providence?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Rhode Island (~$66,716/yr) supports up to $1,668 a month in rent. Providence's current median rent is $2,293/mo, which is $625/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Providence?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a chef in Rhode Island works roughly 71.5 hours a month to cover Providence's median rent of $2,293.
Where is rent cheaper than Providence for a chef?
Nearby Rhode Island cities with lower median rent include Bristol ($2,284/mo), Bristol ($2,283/mo), Bristol ($2,282/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.