Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Santa Maria, CA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 42.2% of gross income.
Santa Maria rent: June 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 Santa Maria, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Santa Maria
View full rent data for Santa Maria, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Santa Maria, CA?
Median rent in Santa Maria is $2,520 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in California earns about $71,732 a year, which makes that rent 42.2% 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 Santa Maria?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in California (~$71,732/yr) supports up to $1,793 a month in rent. Santa Maria's current median rent is $2,520/mo, which is $727/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Santa Maria?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in California works roughly 73.1 hours a month to cover Santa Maria's median rent of $2,520.
Where is rent cheaper than Santa Maria for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Daly City ($2,518/mo), Westmont ($2,518/mo), Monterey Park ($2,518/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.