Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Salem, VA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.5% of gross income.
Salem 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 Salem, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Salem
View full rent data for Salem, VA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Salem, VA?
Median rent in Salem is $1,574 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Virginia earns about $62,006 a year, which makes that rent 30.5% 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 Salem?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Virginia (~$62,006/yr) supports up to $1,550 a month in rent. Salem's current median rent is $1,574/mo, which is $24/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Salem?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Virginia works roughly 52.8 hours a month to cover Salem's median rent of $1,574.
Where is rent cheaper than Salem for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Virginia cities with lower median rent include East Highland Park ($1,572/mo), Lexington ($1,572/mo), Lexington ($1,572/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.