Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Portland, OR?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.6% of gross income.
Portland rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Oregon 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 Oregon cities have lower median rent than Portland, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Portland
View full rent data for Portland, OR →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Portland, OR?
Median rent in Portland is $1,719 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Oregon earns about $63,222 a year, which makes that rent 32.6% 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 Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Oregon (~$63,222/yr) supports up to $1,581 a month in rent. Portland's current median rent is $1,719/mo, which is $138/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Oregon works roughly 56.6 hours a month to cover Portland's median rent of $1,719.
Where is rent cheaper than Portland for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Oregon cities with lower median rent include Gladstone ($1,717/mo), The Dalles ($1,717/mo), Medford ($1,717/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.