Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can comfortably afford based on your income. Use the 30% rule or more conservative options based on your situation.
Car payments, student loans, credit cards, etc.
Enter your income to see how much rent you can afford.
How It Works
The classic "30% rule" suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. However, this rule was created decades ago when other costs were lower. Many financial experts now recommend 25% or even 20% to leave room for savings and other expenses.
We adjust recommendations based on your existing debt. Higher debts mean you should spend less on rent to maintain financial flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use gross or net income?
The 30% rule traditionally uses gross income, but using net (take-home) pay gives a more realistic picture of what you can actually afford. Our calculator adjusts accordingly based on your selection.
What if I can't find anything affordable?
Consider roommates, looking in different neighborhoods, or negotiating rent. In expensive cities, many people do spend more than 30% on housing, but try to offset this by cutting other expenses or increasing income.
What else should I budget for?
Don't forget utilities, renter's insurance, parking, move-in costs (first/last month, security deposit), and potential rent increases. Budget for these on top of base rent.
What do landlords require for income?
Most landlords require income of 2.5-3x the monthly rent. If your income is lower, you may need a co-signer, larger deposit, or to show significant savings.