Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Salem, VA?
Comfortably affordable — rent takes 29.7% of gross income.
Salem rent: June 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 $1,536 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Virginia earns about $62,006 a year, which makes that rent 29.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is yes.
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 $1,536/mo, which leaves a $14/mo buffer.
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 51.5 hours a month to cover Salem's median rent of $1,536.
Where is rent cheaper than Salem for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Virginia cities with lower median rent include Waynesboro ($1,534/mo), Colonial Heights ($1,533/mo), Portsmouth ($1,533/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.