Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Portsmouth, VA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 31.8% of gross income.
Portsmouth rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Virginia 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 Virginia cities have lower median rent than Portsmouth, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Portsmouth
View full rent data for Portsmouth, VA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Portsmouth, VA?
Median rent in Portsmouth is $1,642 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Virginia earns about $62,006 a year, which makes that rent 31.8% 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 Portsmouth?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Virginia (~$62,006/yr) supports up to $1,550 a month in rent. Portsmouth's current median rent is $1,642/mo, which is $92/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Portsmouth?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Virginia works roughly 55.1 hours a month to cover Portsmouth's median rent of $1,642.
Where is rent cheaper than Portsmouth for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Virginia cities with lower median rent include Bellwood ($1,639/mo), Norfolk ($1,638/mo), Highland Springs ($1,638/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.