Rent Affordability Calculator
Use this rent affordability calculator to see how much rent you can afford based on your income (30% rule)—or find the income you need for a specific rent. Adjust the ratio to match your budget.
How to use this rent affordability calculator
Enter your gross annual income and choose a rent-to-income ratio (25%, 28%, 30%, 33%, or 40%). The calculator shows your maximum affordable monthly rent. Optionally enter a specific rent to check if it's affordable and see the minimum income needed. Use our paycheck calculator to confirm your take-home if you prefer to budget on net pay.
Leave blank to see only max affordable rent. Enter a rent to see if it’s affordable and the income needed.
How the rent affordability rule works
The 30% rule means your monthly rent should not exceed 30% of your gross (before-tax) monthly income. So if you earn $4,000 per month, your rent should ideally be $1,200 or less. That leaves 70% for taxes, other expenses, and savings. Many landlords use this rule when screening tenants.
You can use a lower ratio (25–28%) for a more conservative budget, or a higher one (33–40%) if you have few other debts—though above 30% is often called "rent-burdened." This calculator lets you switch between 25%, 28%, 30%, 33%, and 40% to see how much rent you can afford at each level, and to see the minimum income needed for any given rent.
Why use a rent affordability calculator?
A rent affordability calculator shows your max rent at different income ratios so you can set a budget before you search. Landlords often require income at 2.5–3× rent (roughly the 30–40% rule). Using this tool with your gross income helps you know what you qualify for and what to target. If you prefer to budget on take-home pay, use a lower ratio (e.g. 25% of gross) so rent fits comfortably after taxes.
Why use gross income for rent?
Landlords and affordability guidelines usually use gross income because it's easy to verify (pay stubs, offer letters) and consistent. If you prefer to budget on take-home pay, apply a percentage to your net income instead—for example, 30% of net—or use a lower percentage of gross (e.g. 25%) so rent fits comfortably after taxes.
Tips for rent budgeting
Keep rent at or below 30% of gross when you can so you have room for utilities, savings, and emergencies. In expensive cities you may go to 33–40%; pair that with a strict budget elsewhere. Run this rent affordability calculator when your income changes or before renewing a lease. Use our budget calculator to split your take-home into needs, wants, and savings so rent fits your overall plan.