Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Madison, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.7% of gross income.
Madison rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Madison, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Madison
View full rent data for Madison, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Madison, WI?
Median rent in Madison is $1,621 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin earns about $57,751 a year, which makes that rent 33.7% 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 Madison?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Wisconsin (~$57,751/yr) supports up to $1,444 a month in rent. Madison's current median rent is $1,621/mo, which is $177/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Madison?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin works roughly 58.4 hours a month to cover Madison's median rent of $1,621.
Where is rent cheaper than Madison for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include River Falls ($1,619/mo), Brown Deer ($1,618/mo), Kenosha ($1,618/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.