Can A Chef Afford Rent in Burlington, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.5% of gross income.
Burlington rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington 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 Washington cities have lower median rent than Burlington, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Burlington
View full rent data for Burlington, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Burlington, WA?
Median rent in Burlington is $2,125 a month. A typical chef in Washington earns about $71,848 a year, which makes that rent 35.5% 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 Burlington?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Washington (~$71,848/yr) supports up to $1,796 a month in rent. Burlington's current median rent is $2,125/mo, which is $329/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Burlington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $35 an hour, a chef in Washington works roughly 61.5 hours a month to cover Burlington's median rent of $2,125.
Where is rent cheaper than Burlington for a chef?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Camas ($2,124/mo), Battle Ground ($2,123/mo), Arlington ($2,122/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.