Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Tempe, AZ?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.9% of gross income.
Tempe rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Arizona state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Arizona cities have lower median rent than Tempe, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tempe
View full rent data for Tempe, AZ →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Tempe, AZ?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,667 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Arizona earns about $58,966 a year, which makes that rent 33.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Tempe?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Arizona (~$58,966/yr) supports up to $1,474 a month in rent. Tempe's current median rent is $1,667/mo, which is $193/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Tempe?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Arizona works roughly 58.8 hours a month to cover Tempe's median rent of $1,667.
Where is rent cheaper than Tempe for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Arizona cities with lower median rent include Surprise ($1,656/mo), Buckeye ($1,654/mo), Casa Grande ($1,654/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.