Rent Affordability Calculator
How much rent can you afford on your income?
Landlords and budgeting rules often cite a rent-to-income cap, commonly around 30% of gross income. This calculator lets you use monthly or annual income and tune the percentage to match your situation.
Rules of thumb do not fit everyone. High-cost cities, debt payments, and savings goals may mean you need a lower rent share. Or you may have room above a textbook percentage if other costs are low.
Your income
Enter gross (pre-tax) income below. Rent-to-income caps are usually quoted against gross, not net (take-home) pay like many other budgeting recommendations.
Many people use ~30% of gross income; adjust the slider to match your comfort and local costs.
Affordable rent (guideline)
These figures are starting points, not guarantees. Landlords and lenders may use different rules.
- Max monthly rent
- $1,650
- Max yearly rent (12×)
- $19,800
Remember to budget for utilities, renters insurance, parking, and move-in costs. If you are in a high-cost area, you may spend above a textbook percentage. Pair this check with your full budget or a tool like BudgetBadger to see the whole picture.
Related free tool: Debt Payoff Calculator — Model payoff time and interest for a fixed monthly payment or a credit card-style minimum, with an optional extra payment and before/after chart.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 30% rent rule based on gross or net income?
Usually gross (pre-tax) pay, which is the way landlords and classic guidelines frame the cap. Take-home pay is common in budgeting, but using it here is more conservative than the traditional rule.
Does affordable rent include utilities?
Usually the percentage applies to rent only. Budget utilities, renters insurance, internet, and parking separately so your total housing cost stays realistic.
