Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Santa Fe, NM?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 42.4% of gross income.
Santa Fe rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (New Mexico 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 New Mexico cities have lower median rent than Santa Fe, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Santa Fe
View full rent data for Santa Fe, NM →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Santa Fe, NM?
Median rent in Santa Fe is $1,932 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in New Mexico earns about $54,711 a year, which makes that rent 42.4% 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 Santa Fe?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in New Mexico (~$54,711/yr) supports up to $1,368 a month in rent. Santa Fe's current median rent is $1,932/mo, which is $564/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Santa Fe?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in New Mexico works roughly 73.5 hours a month to cover Santa Fe's median rent of $1,932.
Where is rent cheaper than Santa Fe for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby New Mexico cities with lower median rent include Los Lunas ($1,928/mo), Rio Rancho ($1,902/mo), Rio Rancho ($1,895/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.