Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Tacoma, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.8% of gross income.
Tacoma rent: June 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 Tacoma, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tacoma
View full rent data for Tacoma, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Tacoma, WA?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,749 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Washington earns about $68,085 a year, which makes that rent 30.8% 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 Tacoma?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Washington (~$68,085/yr) supports up to $1,702 a month in rent. Tacoma's current median rent is $1,749/mo, which is $47/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Tacoma?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Washington works roughly 53.4 hours a month to cover Tacoma's median rent of $1,749.
Where is rent cheaper than Tacoma for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include La Center ($1,748/mo), Wenatchee ($1,747/mo), Vancouver ($1,747/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.