Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Waco, TX?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.2% of gross income.
Waco 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 Waco, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waco
View full rent data for Waco, TX →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Waco, TX?
Median rent in Waco is $1,369 a month. A typical dental assistant in Texas earns about $48,074 a year, which makes that rent 34.2% 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 Waco?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Texas (~$48,074/yr) supports up to $1,202 a month in rent. Waco's current median rent is $1,369/mo, which is $167/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Waco?
At an hourly equivalent of about $23 an hour, a dental assistant in Texas works roughly 59.2 hours a month to cover Waco's median rent of $1,369.
Where is rent cheaper than Waco for a dental assistant?
Nearby Texas cities with lower median rent include Del Rio ($1,368/mo), Waller ($1,368/mo), Del Rio ($1,368/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.