Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Durham, NC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.7% of gross income.
Durham rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina 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 North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Durham, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Durham
View full rent data for Durham, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Durham, NC?
Median rent in Durham is $1,700 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in North Carolina earns about $57,143 a year, which makes that rent 35.7% 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 Durham?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in North Carolina (~$57,143/yr) supports up to $1,429 a month in rent. Durham's current median rent is $1,700/mo, which is $271/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Durham?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina works roughly 61.9 hours a month to cover Durham's median rent of $1,700.
Where is rent cheaper than Durham for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include Knightdale ($1,699/mo), Chapel Hill ($1,699/mo), Morehead City ($1,699/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.