Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Columbia, MO?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.6% of gross income.
Columbia rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Missouri 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 Missouri 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, MO →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Columbia, MO?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,424 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Missouri earns about $55,927 a year, which makes that rent 30.6% 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 Missouri (~$55,927/yr) supports up to $1,398 a month in rent. Columbia's current median rent is $1,424/mo, which is $26/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 $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Missouri works roughly 53 hours a month to cover Columbia's median rent of $1,424.
Where is rent cheaper than Columbia for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Missouri cities with lower median rent include Glasgow Village ($1,423/mo), Nixa ($1,422/mo), Kansas City ($1,422/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.