Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Helena, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.3% of gross income.
Helena rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana 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 Montana cities have lower median rent than Helena, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Helena
View full rent data for Helena, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Helena, MT?
Median rent in Helena is $1,617 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Montana earns about $53,495 a year, which makes that rent 36.3% 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 Helena?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Montana (~$53,495/yr) supports up to $1,337 a month in rent. Helena's current median rent is $1,617/mo, which is $280/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Helena?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Montana works roughly 62.9 hours a month to cover Helena's median rent of $1,617.
Where is rent cheaper than Helena for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Livingston ($1,600/mo), Missoula ($1,568/mo), Missoula ($1,550/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.