Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Santa Monica, CA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 58.8% of gross income.
Santa Monica 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 Monica, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Santa Monica
View full rent data for Santa Monica, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Santa Monica, CA?
Median rent in Santa Monica is $3,517 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in California earns about $71,732 a year, which makes that rent 58.8% 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 Monica?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in California (~$71,732/yr) supports up to $1,793 a month in rent. Santa Monica's current median rent is $3,517/mo, which is $1,724/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Santa Monica?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in California works roughly 102 hours a month to cover Santa Monica's median rent of $3,517.
Where is rent cheaper than Santa Monica for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include Granite Bay ($3,516/mo), Marina ($3,513/mo), Morgan Hill ($3,512/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.