Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Philadelphia, PA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.2% of gross income.
Philadelphia rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania cities have lower median rent than Philadelphia, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Philadelphia
View full rent data for Philadelphia, PA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Philadelphia, PA?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,814 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Pennsylvania earns about $60,182 a year, which makes that rent 36.2% 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 Philadelphia?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Pennsylvania (~$60,182/yr) supports up to $1,505 a month in rent. Philadelphia's current median rent is $1,814/mo, which is $309/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Philadelphia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Pennsylvania works roughly 62.7 hours a month to cover Philadelphia's median rent of $1,814.
Where is rent cheaper than Philadelphia for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Pennsylvania cities with lower median rent include Brookhaven ($1,813/mo), Marcus Hook ($1,813/mo), Cranberry Township ($1,813/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.