Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Boston, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 55.7% of gross income.
Boston rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Boston, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Boston
View full rent data for Boston, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Boston, MA?
Median rent in Boston is $3,271 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts earns about $70,516 a year, which makes that rent 55.7% 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 Boston?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Massachusetts (~$70,516/yr) supports up to $1,763 a month in rent. Boston's current median rent is $3,271/mo, which is $1,508/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Boston?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts works roughly 96.5 hours a month to cover Boston's median rent of $3,271.
Where is rent cheaper than Boston for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Somerville ($3,268/mo), Somerville ($3,264/mo), Winchester ($3,264/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.