Can A Plumber Afford Rent in University Place, WA?

Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.4% of gross income.

University Place rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).

University Place median rent
$1,904/mo
Plumber salary (Washington)
$75,152/yr
Rent as % of income
30.4%
Gross monthly income works out to about $6,263, and the 30% rule supports up to $1,879/mo in rent. University Place's median rent of $1,904 exceeds that threshold by $25/mo, putting a plumber salary into the rent-burdened range here. A plumber works roughly 52.7 hours a month to cover that rent.

About rent and a plumber salary

Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.

Cheaper rent nearby

These Washington cities have lower median rent than University Place, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:

Everett, WA
$1,903/mo (30.4% of income)
Everett, WA
$1,902/mo (30.4% of income)
Everett, WA
$1,902/mo (30.4% of income)

Compare with full rent data for University Place

View full rent data for University Place, WA

Frequently asked questions

Can a plumber afford rent in University Place, WA?

Median rent in University Place is $1,904 a month. A typical plumber in Washington earns about $75,152 a year, which makes that rent 30.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.

How much rent can a plumber afford in University Place?

Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Washington (~$75,152/yr) supports up to $1,879 a month in rent. University Place's current median rent is $1,904/mo, which is $25/mo over the affordability threshold.

How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in University Place?

At an hourly equivalent of about $36 an hour, a plumber in Washington works roughly 52.7 hours a month to cover University Place's median rent of $1,904.

Where is rent cheaper than University Place for a plumber?

Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Everett ($1,903/mo), Everett ($1,902/mo), Everett ($1,902/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.

Methodology: Salary uses the BLS-derived Washington state estimate from OEWS May 2024. Rent is the most recent ZORI monthly value for University Place, WA. Affordability applies the 30% rule (rent ≤ 30% of gross income). Real take-home varies with taxes, household composition, overtime, tips, and benefits.