Can A Nursing Assistant Afford Rent in Salem, NH?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 77.1% of gross income.
Salem rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire cities have lower median rent than Salem, which improves the affordability math on a nursing assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Salem
View full rent data for Salem, NH →Frequently asked questions
Can a nursing assistant afford rent in Salem, NH?
Median rent in Salem is $2,621 a month. A typical nursing assistant in New Hampshire earns about $40,798 a year, which makes that rent 77.1% 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 Salem?
Using the 30% rule, a nursing assistant salary in New Hampshire (~$40,798/yr) supports up to $1,020 a month in rent. Salem's current median rent is $2,621/mo, which is $1,601/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a nursing assistant work to cover rent in Salem?
At an hourly equivalent of about $20 an hour, a nursing assistant in New Hampshire works roughly 133.6 hours a month to cover Salem's median rent of $2,621.
Where is rent cheaper than Salem for a nursing assistant?
Nearby New Hampshire cities with lower median rent include Bedford ($2,618/mo), Lebanon ($2,614/mo), Hooksett ($2,608/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a nursing assistant salary.