Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Tempe, AZ?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 42.5% of gross income.
Tempe rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Arizona state estimate).
About rent and a dental assistant salary
Dental assistant pay sits near the US median household income. At the national-average dental-assistant salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,214 a month in rent, which is achievable in most lower- and mid-cost metros.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Arizona cities have lower median rent than Tempe, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tempe
View full rent data for Tempe, AZ →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Tempe, AZ?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,667 a month. A typical dental assistant in Arizona earns about $47,103 a year, which makes that rent 42.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a dental assistant afford in Tempe?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Arizona (~$47,103/yr) supports up to $1,178 a month in rent. Tempe's current median rent is $1,667/mo, which is $489/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Tempe?
At an hourly equivalent of about $23 an hour, a dental assistant in Arizona works roughly 73.6 hours a month to cover Tempe's median rent of $1,667.
Where is rent cheaper than Tempe for a dental assistant?
Nearby Arizona cities with lower median rent include Surprise ($1,656/mo), Buckeye ($1,654/mo), Casa Grande ($1,654/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.