Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Arlington, VA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 65.9% of gross income.
Arlington rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Virginia 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 Virginia 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, VA →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Arlington, VA?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,722 a month. A typical dental assistant in Virginia earns about $49,531 a year, which makes that rent 65.9% 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 Virginia (~$49,531/yr) supports up to $1,238 a month in rent. Arlington's current median rent is $2,722/mo, which is $1,484/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Arlington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a dental assistant in Virginia works roughly 114.3 hours a month to cover Arlington's median rent of $2,722.
Where is rent cheaper than Arlington for a dental assistant?
Nearby Virginia cities with lower median rent include Sterling ($2,718/mo), Springfield ($2,716/mo), Ashburn ($2,715/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.