Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Columbia, TN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.9% of gross income.
Columbia rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Tennessee 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 Tennessee cities have lower median rent than Columbia, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Columbia
View full rent data for Columbia, TN →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Columbia, TN?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,580 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Tennessee earns about $55,927 a year, which makes that rent 33.9% 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 Columbia?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Tennessee (~$55,927/yr) supports up to $1,398 a month in rent. Columbia's current median rent is $1,580/mo, which is $182/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Columbia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Tennessee works roughly 58.8 hours a month to cover Columbia's median rent of $1,580.
Where is rent cheaper than Columbia for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Tennessee cities with lower median rent include Millington ($1,579/mo), Louisville ($1,579/mo), Springfield ($1,579/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.