Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Lowell, MA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.3% of gross income.
Lowell 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 Lowell, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Lowell
View full rent data for Lowell, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Lowell, MA?
Median rent in Lowell is $2,252 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts earns about $70,516 a year, which makes that rent 38.3% 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 Lowell?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Massachusetts (~$70,516/yr) supports up to $1,763 a month in rent. Lowell's current median rent is $2,252/mo, which is $489/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Lowell?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts works roughly 66.4 hours a month to cover Lowell's median rent of $2,252.
Where is rent cheaper than Lowell for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Lynn ($2,250/mo), Milford ($2,250/mo), Waltham ($2,248/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.