Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Merced, CA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.4% of gross income.
Merced rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (California 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 California cities have lower median rent than Merced, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Merced
View full rent data for Merced, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Merced, CA?
Median rent in Merced is $2,059 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in California earns about $71,732 a year, which makes that rent 34.4% 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 Merced?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in California (~$71,732/yr) supports up to $1,793 a month in rent. Merced's current median rent is $2,059/mo, which is $266/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Merced?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in California works roughly 59.7 hours a month to cover Merced's median rent of $2,059.
Where is rent cheaper than Merced for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Huntington Park ($2,058/mo), Big Bear Lake ($2,058/mo), Azusa ($2,057/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.