Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Watertown, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 53.9% of gross income.
Watertown rent: July 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 Watertown, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Watertown
View full rent data for Watertown, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Watertown, MA?
Median rent in Watertown is $3,168 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts earns about $70,516 a year, which makes that rent 53.9% 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 Watertown?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Massachusetts (~$70,516/yr) supports up to $1,763 a month in rent. Watertown's current median rent is $3,168/mo, which is $1,405/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Watertown?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts works roughly 93.4 hours a month to cover Watertown's median rent of $3,168.
Where is rent cheaper than Watertown for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Reading ($3,167/mo), Saugus ($3,167/mo), Medford ($3,166/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.