Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Urbandale, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.3% of gross income.
Urbandale 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 Urbandale, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Urbandale
View full rent data for Urbandale, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Urbandale, IA?
Median rent in Urbandale is $1,203 a month. A typical dental assistant in Iowa earns about $44,675 a year, which makes that rent 32.3% 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 Urbandale?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Iowa (~$44,675/yr) supports up to $1,117 a month in rent. Urbandale's current median rent is $1,203/mo, which is $86/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Urbandale?
At an hourly equivalent of about $21 an hour, a dental assistant in Iowa works roughly 56 hours a month to cover Urbandale's median rent of $1,203.
Where is rent cheaper than Urbandale for a dental assistant?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Coralville ($1,199/mo), Pleasant Hill ($1,196/mo), Council Bluffs ($1,195/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.