Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Seattle, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 39.4% of gross income.
Seattle 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 Seattle, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Seattle
View full rent data for Seattle, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Seattle, WA?
Median rent in Seattle is $2,238 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Washington earns about $68,085 a year, which makes that rent 39.4% 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 Seattle?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Washington (~$68,085/yr) supports up to $1,702 a month in rent. Seattle's current median rent is $2,238/mo, which is $536/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Seattle?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Washington works roughly 68.4 hours a month to cover Seattle's median rent of $2,238.
Where is rent cheaper than Seattle for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Covington ($2,237/mo), Burlington ($2,237/mo), Camas ($2,237/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.