By Matthew Tarpey

Most experts agree that about one-third of your salary should go toward paying rent. Unfortunately, in some cities that’s a tough goal to achieve.

Using data from Economic Modeling Specialists International, along with average rent costs provided by numbeo.com, we’ve determined how many hours in the office it takes for a person making an average salary to cover the average rent in the 10 biggest U.S. cities. The numbers are based on a 40-hour workweek and a 50-week work year. Keep in mind that working 40 hours a week adds up to about 160 hours in the office each month.

1. New York: Average earnings: $69,400, Average hourly salary: $34.70, Average apartment rent (1 bedroom, in city center): $2,675*

Hours to cover rent: 77.1

2. Los Angeles: Average earnings: $56,400, Average hourly salary: $28.20, Average apartment rent (1 bedroom, in city center): $1,425

Hours to cover rent: 50.5

3. Chicago: Average earnings: $57,800, Average hourly salary: $28.90, Average apartment rent (1 bedroom, in city center): $1,500

Hours to cover rent: 51.9

4. Houston: Average earnings: $61,200, Average hourly salary: $30.60, Average apartment rent (1 bedroom, in city center): $1,200

Hours to cover rent: 39.2

Read More MSN Careers – How long it takes to cover rent in major U.S. cities – Career Advice Article.