Can A Chef Afford Rent in Lacey, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.1% of gross income.
Lacey rent: June 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 Lacey, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Lacey
View full rent data for Lacey, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Lacey, WA?
Median rent in Lacey is $2,163 a month. A typical chef in Washington earns about $71,848 a year, which makes that rent 36.1% 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 Lacey?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Washington (~$71,848/yr) supports up to $1,796 a month in rent. Lacey's current median rent is $2,163/mo, which is $367/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Lacey?
At an hourly equivalent of about $35 an hour, a chef in Washington works roughly 62.6 hours a month to cover Lacey's median rent of $2,163.
Where is rent cheaper than Lacey for a chef?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Milton ($2,162/mo), Battle Ground ($2,162/mo), Camas ($2,162/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.