Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Vancouver, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.6% of gross income.
Vancouver rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Vancouver, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Vancouver
View full rent data for Vancouver, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Vancouver, WA?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,818 a month. A typical paramedic in Washington earns about $59,562 a year, which makes that rent 36.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Vancouver?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Washington (~$59,562/yr) supports up to $1,489 a month in rent. Vancouver's current median rent is $1,818/mo, which is $329/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Vancouver?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a paramedic in Washington works roughly 63.5 hours a month to cover Vancouver's median rent of $1,818.
Where is rent cheaper than Vancouver for a paramedic?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Pasco ($1,817/mo), Airway Heights ($1,816/mo), Pasco ($1,815/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.