Can A Chef Afford Rent in Madison, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.2% of gross income.
Madison rent: September 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 Madison, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Madison
View full rent data for Madison, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Madison, WI?
Median rent in Madison is $1,837 a month. A typical chef in Wisconsin earns about $60,943 a year, which makes that rent 36.2% 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 Madison?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Wisconsin (~$60,943/yr) supports up to $1,524 a month in rent. Madison's current median rent is $1,837/mo, which is $313/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Madison?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a chef in Wisconsin works roughly 62.7 hours a month to cover Madison's median rent of $1,837.
Where is rent cheaper than Madison for a chef?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include Oconomowoc ($1,834/mo), Oconomowoc ($1,831/mo), Monona ($1,825/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.