Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Cedar Falls, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.6% of gross income.
Cedar Falls rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa 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 Iowa cities have lower median rent than Cedar Falls, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Cedar Falls
View full rent data for Cedar Falls, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Cedar Falls, IA?
Median rent in Cedar Falls is $1,251 a month. A typical dental assistant in Iowa earns about $44,675 a year, which makes that rent 33.6% 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 Cedar Falls?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Iowa (~$44,675/yr) supports up to $1,117 a month in rent. Cedar Falls's current median rent is $1,251/mo, which is $134/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Cedar Falls?
At an hourly equivalent of about $21 an hour, a dental assistant in Iowa works roughly 58.2 hours a month to cover Cedar Falls's median rent of $1,251.
Where is rent cheaper than Cedar Falls for a dental assistant?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Bettendorf ($1,249/mo), Indianola ($1,248/mo), Pleasant Hill ($1,246/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.