Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Columbia, MD?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 41.6% of gross income.
Columbia rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maryland 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 Maryland cities have lower median rent than Columbia, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Columbia
View full rent data for Columbia, MD →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Columbia, MD?
Median rent in Columbia is $2,276 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Maryland earns about $65,653 a year, which makes that rent 41.6% 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 Columbia?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Maryland (~$65,653/yr) supports up to $1,641 a month in rent. Columbia's current median rent is $2,276/mo, which is $635/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Columbia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Maryland works roughly 72.1 hours a month to cover Columbia's median rent of $2,276.
Where is rent cheaper than Columbia for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Maryland cities with lower median rent include Montgomery Village ($2,275/mo), Waldorf ($2,275/mo), Annapolis ($2,275/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.