Can A Nursing Assistant Afford Rent in Elizabeth, NJ?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 61% of gross income.
Elizabeth rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (New Jersey 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 Jersey cities have lower median rent than Elizabeth, which improves the affordability math on a nursing assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Elizabeth
View full rent data for Elizabeth, NJ →Frequently asked questions
Can a nursing assistant afford rent in Elizabeth, NJ?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $2,255 a month. A typical nursing assistant in New Jersey earns about $44,363 a year, which makes that rent 61% 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 Elizabeth?
Using the 30% rule, a nursing assistant salary in New Jersey (~$44,363/yr) supports up to $1,109 a month in rent. Elizabeth's current median rent is $2,255/mo, which is $1,146/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a nursing assistant work to cover rent in Elizabeth?
At an hourly equivalent of about $21 an hour, a nursing assistant in New Jersey works roughly 105.7 hours a month to cover Elizabeth's median rent of $2,255.
Where is rent cheaper than Elizabeth for a nursing assistant?
Nearby New Jersey cities with lower median rent include Sicklerville ($2,254/mo), Mt Laurel Township ($2,254/mo), Highland Park ($2,253/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a nursing assistant salary.