Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Aiken, SC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.3% of gross income.
Aiken rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (South 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 South Carolina cities have lower median rent than Aiken, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Aiken
View full rent data for Aiken, SC →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Aiken, SC?
Median rent in Aiken is $1,438 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in South Carolina earns about $53,495 a year, which makes that rent 32.3% 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 Aiken?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in South Carolina (~$53,495/yr) supports up to $1,337 a month in rent. Aiken's current median rent is $1,438/mo, which is $101/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Aiken?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in South Carolina works roughly 55.9 hours a month to cover Aiken's median rent of $1,438.
Where is rent cheaper than Aiken for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby South Carolina cities with lower median rent include Columbia ($1,436/mo), Columbia ($1,436/mo), Seneca ($1,435/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.