How much rent can I afford?

The classic guideline is to spend no more than 30% of gross monthly income on rent. With significant debt payments or in a high-cost city, many planners suggest targeting 25% or budgeting from your actual take-home pay instead.

What income do landlords require?

Most landlords want gross income of about 3x the monthly rent (sometimes phrased as 40x annual). They typically also run credit checks, and applicants who fall short may need a co-signer or guarantor.

Where does the 30% rule come from?

It traces to federal housing policy: households paying over 30% of income on housing are considered cost-burdened by HUD. It's a useful benchmark, but your right number depends on debt, savings goals, and local costs.

What costs should I budget beyond rent?

Utilities, renters insurance (often $15-30 a month), security deposit, application fees, parking, and pet fees. Together these commonly add 10-20% on top of the base rent.

Should I rent or buy?

Compare total monthly costs (rent and renewals versus mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance) and your time horizon. Buying usually needs roughly five or more years in the home for transaction costs to pay off.

Rent Calculator

Calculate rental affordability and compare rent vs buy scenarios. Free, fast, accurate — no signup, mobile-friendly, wor

Income & Expenses

Monthly Gross Income

Other Monthly Debts

Credit cards, car loans, student loans, etc.

Recommended Housing Ratio

Typically 25-30% of gross income

Rental Details

Monthly Rent

Estimated Utilities

Electric, gas, water, internet, etc.

Lease Period

Upfront Costs

Security Deposit

Application Fees

Broker Fees

Moving Costs

Affordability Status

May Be Risky

Housing ratio: 33.0%

Recommended Max Rent

$1,500

30% of income

Total Housing Cost

$1,650

Rent + utilities

Total Upfront Costs

$4,100

Move-in expenses

Remaining Income

$1,600

After housing & debts

Financial Ratios

Housing-to-Income Ratio:33.0%

Debt-to-Income Ratio:43.0%

Recommended Ratio:30.0%

Recommendations

• Your housing ratio is 33.0%, which exceeds the recommended 30%
• Consider looking for rent under 1500/month

How it works

A rent calculator finds an affordable rent from your income using the common guideline that housing should take no more than about 30% of your gross monthly income. It can also work backwards to the income a given rent implies.

Affordable rent

Max rent ≈ gross monthly income × 0.30

gross income: monthly income before tax
0.30: the 30% affordability guideline

Worked example

Gross monthly income = $5,000

Max rent = 5,000 × 0.30

Aim for rent around $1,500/month or less.

Good to know

30% is a guideline — high-cost cities often push higher, but more than ~50% (rent-burdened) strains a budget.
Landlords frequently require income of about 3× the monthly rent.
Remember to budget utilities, renters insurance, and commuting on top of rent.