Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Denver, CO?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.9% of gross income.
Denver rent: September 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 Denver, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Denver
View full rent data for Denver, CO →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Denver, CO?
Median rent in Denver is $1,855 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Colorado earns about $63,830 a year, which makes that rent 34.9% 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 Denver?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Colorado (~$63,830/yr) supports up to $1,596 a month in rent. Denver's current median rent is $1,855/mo, which is $259/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Denver?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Colorado works roughly 60.4 hours a month to cover Denver's median rent of $1,855.
Where is rent cheaper than Denver for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Colorado cities with lower median rent include Westminster ($1,854/mo), Englewood ($1,854/mo), Wheat Ridge ($1,854/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.