Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Key West, FL?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 94.7% of gross income.
Key West rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Florida 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 Florida cities have lower median rent than Key West, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Key West
View full rent data for Key West, FL →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Key West, FL?
Median rent in Key West is $3,563 a month. A typical dental assistant in Florida earns about $45,161 a year, which makes that rent 94.7% 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 Key West?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Florida (~$45,161/yr) supports up to $1,129 a month in rent. Key West's current median rent is $3,563/mo, which is $2,434/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Key West?
At an hourly equivalent of about $22 an hour, a dental assistant in Florida works roughly 164.1 hours a month to cover Key West's median rent of $3,563.
Where is rent cheaper than Key West for a dental assistant?
Nearby Florida cities with lower median rent include Marco Island ($3,561/mo), Key Largo ($3,560/mo), Key Largo ($3,559/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.