Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in West Des Moines, IA?
Comfortably affordable — rent takes 29.4% of gross income.
West Des Moines rent: June 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 West Des Moines, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for West Des Moines
View full rent data for West Des Moines, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in West Des Moines, IA?
Median rent in West Des Moines is $1,369 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Iowa earns about $55,927 a year, which makes that rent 29.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is yes.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in West Des Moines?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Iowa (~$55,927/yr) supports up to $1,398 a month in rent. West Des Moines's current median rent is $1,369/mo, which leaves a $29/mo buffer.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in West Des Moines?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Iowa works roughly 50.9 hours a month to cover West Des Moines's median rent of $1,369.
Where is rent cheaper than West Des Moines for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include North Liberty ($1,367/mo), Cedar Falls ($1,365/mo), Cedar Falls ($1,355/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.