Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Scranton, PA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.8% of gross income.
Scranton rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania cities have lower median rent than Scranton, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Scranton
View full rent data for Scranton, PA →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Scranton, PA?
Median rent in Scranton is $1,314 a month. A typical dental assistant in Pennsylvania earns about $48,074 a year, which makes that rent 32.8% 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 Scranton?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Pennsylvania (~$48,074/yr) supports up to $1,202 a month in rent. Scranton's current median rent is $1,314/mo, which is $112/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Scranton?
At an hourly equivalent of about $23 an hour, a dental assistant in Pennsylvania works roughly 56.9 hours a month to cover Scranton's median rent of $1,314.
Where is rent cheaper than Scranton for a dental assistant?
Nearby Pennsylvania cities with lower median rent include Bangor ($1,313/mo), Bethel Park ($1,313/mo), Aliquippa ($1,312/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.