Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Arlington, TX?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.6% of gross income.
Arlington rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Texas 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 Texas cities have lower median rent than Arlington, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Arlington
View full rent data for Arlington, TX →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Arlington, TX?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,546 a month. A typical dental assistant in Texas earns about $48,074 a year, which makes that rent 38.6% 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 Arlington?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Texas (~$48,074/yr) supports up to $1,202 a month in rent. Arlington's current median rent is $1,546/mo, which is $344/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Arlington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $23 an hour, a dental assistant in Texas works roughly 66.9 hours a month to cover Arlington's median rent of $1,546.
Where is rent cheaper than Arlington for a dental assistant?
Nearby Texas cities with lower median rent include Fort Worth ($1,545/mo), Fort Worth ($1,545/mo), Cedar Park ($1,545/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.