Is anyone in California living alone on an LVN salary?

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This may be a long shot but does anyone who is a licensed vocational nurse in California make enough to live on their own? If so how much do you make hourly and where do you live? I’m trying to get into an RN program but if it doesn’t work and I get in to an lvn instead I would wanna know if its enough to live on my own. Thanks

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More so renting a room than being able to afford an apartment on your own in many places. More affordability when you have two or at least one and a half jobs. 

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34 minutes ago, caliotter3 said:

More so renting a room than being able to afford an apartment on your own in many places. More affordability when you have two or at least one and a half jobs. 

boo ☹️  living with my mom it is then LOL

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You could find somebody compatible with to share an apartment, but that can be tricky and if they decide to hit the road, there you are.  Even then, your half of the rent is probably going to be more than one paycheck.  That is still fairly stiff.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Depends on where in California. There are still pockets of affordability, mostly in the northern part of the state. But in the Bay area especially a person probably can't afford a broom closet on their own.   I always thought cost of housing was a little exaggerated until my son took a travel contract there.  Fortunately he took a position on a military base and they are allowing him and his wife to use on base housing or he likely would've declined the contract when he found out how much it cost to stay off base.

They considered several California contracts before taking that one and the decision came down to what else was in in the area and housing costs.

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.
On 3/16/2021 at 7:10 PM, Sandyleesand said:

boo ☹️  living with my mom it is then LOL

Move to Sacramento & yes it is possible. This is where I reside. I’m a nursing student, not a nurse yet & even I can afford to live alone here. You can still commute to the Bay for jobs if you truly desire.

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2 hours ago, luckycharmSVN said:

Move to Sacramento & yes it is possible. This is where I reside. I’m a nursing student, not a nurse yet & even I can afford to live alone here. You can still commute to the Bay for jobs if you truly desire.

so what do you do for money that you can afford to live on your own and be a student?

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.
Just now, Sandyleesand said:

so what do you do for money that you can afford to live on your own and be a student?

I work in Medical Billing and go to work full time while in school. If you look around, you can find apts that you can afford alone. No, it may not be in the most desirable of neighborhoods, but where do you know that’s affordable and desirable in CA? LOL anyways, My program is unique where I get to attend part time so I have a bit more flexibility than the avg student w/ my time.
 

Sacramento is affordable, way more than the Bay Area. I’m from Oakland, so I know from exp, I moved here for cheaper cost of living almost a decade ago and never turned back. Everyone wants Bay Area pay rates but affordable rent. Living up north is one way to avoid high cost of living expenses. Just a thought! Hope this helps & good luck to you on your journey!

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Specializes in LTC.

Yes, but I have roommates and budget my money. It’s doable, but you’ll have to learn how to manage your money. I was very fortunate to have a very good paying contract job for several months and managed to save up quite a bit of money before it ended. 

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I currently live in Oceanside, and moving to San Diego soon. When my husband and I were looking for places, many required you make a certain amount even to consider. That can be a biggie.

It does really depend where in California, but in SoCal there aren't too many places I've heard good things about that are less than $2,000 (with utilities, parking) you know

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On 4/2/2021 at 1:31 AM, Sandyleesand said:

so what do you do for money that you can afford to live on your own and be a student?

To be a student without income is hard to live on your own in any state, Cali being one of the toughest. Have you considered being a CNA while doing LVN or RN? The hours are endless. The wages are higher in northern Cal I heard. 

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Gosh I hate it when spam slides through! That profile has 23 identical messages. Previous post reported. 

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