Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Charleston, SC?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 50.4% of gross income.
Charleston 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 Charleston, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Charleston
View full rent data for Charleston, SC →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Charleston, SC?
Median rent in Charleston is $2,245 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in South Carolina earns about $53,495 a year, which makes that rent 50.4% 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 Charleston?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in South Carolina (~$53,495/yr) supports up to $1,337 a month in rent. Charleston's current median rent is $2,245/mo, which is $908/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Charleston?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in South Carolina works roughly 87.3 hours a month to cover Charleston's median rent of $2,245.
Where is rent cheaper than Charleston for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby South Carolina cities with lower median rent include Moncks Corner ($2,244/mo), Bluffton ($2,233/mo), Pawleys Island ($2,225/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.