Can A Chef Afford Rent in Grafton, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.1% of gross income.
Grafton rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Grafton, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Grafton
View full rent data for Grafton, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Grafton, WI?
Median rent in Grafton is $1,783 a month. A typical chef in Wisconsin earns about $60,943 a year, which makes that rent 35.1% 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 Grafton?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Wisconsin (~$60,943/yr) supports up to $1,524 a month in rent. Grafton's current median rent is $1,783/mo, which is $259/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Grafton?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a chef in Wisconsin works roughly 60.9 hours a month to cover Grafton's median rent of $1,783.
Where is rent cheaper than Grafton for a chef?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include Oak Creek ($1,782/mo), Fitchburg ($1,780/mo), Oak Creek ($1,779/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.