Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Portsmouth, VA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.7% of gross income.
Portsmouth rent: July 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 Portsmouth, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Portsmouth
View full rent data for Portsmouth, VA →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Portsmouth, VA?
Median rent in Portsmouth is $1,599 a month. A typical dental assistant in Virginia earns about $49,531 a year, which makes that rent 38.7% 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 Portsmouth?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Virginia (~$49,531/yr) supports up to $1,238 a month in rent. Portsmouth's current median rent is $1,599/mo, which is $361/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Portsmouth?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a dental assistant in Virginia works roughly 67.1 hours a month to cover Portsmouth's median rent of $1,599.
Where is rent cheaper than Portsmouth for a dental assistant?
Nearby Virginia cities with lower median rent include Highland Springs ($1,598/mo), Newport News ($1,596/mo), Powhatan ($1,595/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.