Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Lakewood, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.6% of gross income.
Lakewood rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington 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 Washington cities have lower median rent than Lakewood, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Lakewood
View full rent data for Lakewood, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Lakewood, WA?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,737 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Washington earns about $68,085 a year, which makes that rent 30.6% 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 Lakewood?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Washington (~$68,085/yr) supports up to $1,702 a month in rent. Lakewood's current median rent is $1,737/mo, which is $35/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Lakewood?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Washington works roughly 53.1 hours a month to cover Lakewood's median rent of $1,737.
Where is rent cheaper than Lakewood for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Wenatchee ($1,736/mo), Liberty Lake ($1,736/mo), Tacoma ($1,736/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.