Can A Nursing Assistant Afford Rent in Detroit, MI?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 42.8% of gross income.
Detroit rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Michigan state estimate).
About rent and a nursing assistant salary
Nursing assistant (CNA) pay falls below the rent threshold for a one-bedroom in nearly every US metro, which is the central tension behind the widely studied direct-care workforce affordability gap. At the national-average CNA salary, the 30% rule supports about $990 a month in rent — below median rent in most cities. The per-city pages quantify how far below.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Michigan cities have lower median rent than Detroit, which improves the affordability math on a nursing assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Detroit
View full rent data for Detroit, MI →Frequently asked questions
Can a nursing assistant afford rent in Detroit, MI?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,356 a month. A typical nursing assistant in Michigan earns about $38,026 a year, which makes that rent 42.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a nursing assistant afford in Detroit?
Using the 30% rule, a nursing assistant salary in Michigan (~$38,026/yr) supports up to $951 a month in rent. Detroit's current median rent is $1,356/mo, which is $405/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a nursing assistant work to cover rent in Detroit?
At an hourly equivalent of about $18 an hour, a nursing assistant in Michigan works roughly 74.2 hours a month to cover Detroit's median rent of $1,356.
Where is rent cheaper than Detroit for a nursing assistant?
Nearby Michigan cities with lower median rent include Taylor ($1,355/mo), Belleville ($1,354/mo), Warren ($1,349/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a nursing assistant salary.