Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Boulder, CO?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 45.9% of gross income.
Boulder rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Colorado 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 Colorado cities have lower median rent than Boulder, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Boulder
View full rent data for Boulder, CO →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Boulder, CO?
Median rent in Boulder is $2,439 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Colorado earns about $63,830 a year, which makes that rent 45.9% 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 Boulder?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Colorado (~$63,830/yr) supports up to $1,596 a month in rent. Boulder's current median rent is $2,439/mo, which is $843/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Boulder?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Colorado works roughly 79.5 hours a month to cover Boulder's median rent of $2,439.
Where is rent cheaper than Boulder for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Colorado cities with lower median rent include Highlands Ranch ($2,435/mo), Highlands Ranch ($2,430/mo), Steamboat Springs ($2,429/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.