Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Salem, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 58.4% of gross income.
Salem rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Salem, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Salem
View full rent data for Salem, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Salem, MA?
Median rent in Salem is $2,742 a month. A typical dental assistant in Massachusetts earns about $56,330 a year, which makes that rent 58.4% 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 Salem?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Massachusetts (~$56,330/yr) supports up to $1,408 a month in rent. Salem's current median rent is $2,742/mo, which is $1,334/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Salem?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a dental assistant in Massachusetts works roughly 101.2 hours a month to cover Salem's median rent of $2,742.
Where is rent cheaper than Salem for a dental assistant?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Westborough ($2,741/mo), Mansfield ($2,741/mo), Malden ($2,741/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.