Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in West Columbia, SC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 39.6% of gross income.
West Columbia rent: July 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 West Columbia, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for West Columbia
View full rent data for West Columbia, SC →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in West Columbia, SC?
Median rent in West Columbia is $1,765 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in South Carolina earns about $53,495 a year, which makes that rent 39.6% 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 West Columbia?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in South Carolina (~$53,495/yr) supports up to $1,337 a month in rent. West Columbia's current median rent is $1,765/mo, which is $428/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in West Columbia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in South Carolina works roughly 68.6 hours a month to cover West Columbia's median rent of $1,765.
Where is rent cheaper than West Columbia for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby South Carolina cities with lower median rent include Fort Mill ($1,764/mo), Conway ($1,763/mo), Fort Mill ($1,763/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.