Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Smyrna, TN?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 46% of gross income.
Smyrna rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Tennessee 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 Tennessee cities have lower median rent than Smyrna, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Smyrna
View full rent data for Smyrna, TN →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Smyrna, TN?
Median rent in Smyrna is $1,712 a month. A typical dental assistant in Tennessee earns about $44,675 a year, which makes that rent 46% 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 Smyrna?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Tennessee (~$44,675/yr) supports up to $1,117 a month in rent. Smyrna's current median rent is $1,712/mo, which is $595/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Smyrna?
At an hourly equivalent of about $21 an hour, a dental assistant in Tennessee works roughly 79.7 hours a month to cover Smyrna's median rent of $1,712.
Where is rent cheaper than Smyrna for a dental assistant?
Nearby Tennessee cities with lower median rent include Gallatin ($1,711/mo), Gallatin ($1,711/mo), Cordova ($1,710/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.