Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Altoona, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34% of gross income.
Altoona rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa 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 Iowa cities have lower median rent than Altoona, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Altoona
View full rent data for Altoona, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Altoona, IA?
Median rent in Altoona is $1,583 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Iowa earns about $55,927 a year, which makes that rent 34% 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 Altoona?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Iowa (~$55,927/yr) supports up to $1,398 a month in rent. Altoona's current median rent is $1,583/mo, which is $185/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Altoona?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Iowa works roughly 58.9 hours a month to cover Altoona's median rent of $1,583.
Where is rent cheaper than Altoona for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Iowa City ($1,582/mo), Iowa City ($1,570/mo), Waukee ($1,570/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.