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Rent Affordability Calculator.

Calculate how much rent you can afford based on your income and expenses

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Set your values

Results update as you type.

30% Rule: Spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent.

Landlords typically require income of 2.5-3x the monthly rent.

30% Rule: $1,500 /mo

30% Rule

$0/mo
1/3 Rule: $1,150

1/3 Rule

$0
Including Utilities
50/30/20 Rule: $1,640

50/30/20 Rule

$0
Monthly Income ($):
$5000
Estimated Utilities ($):
$250

Rent Affordability Guidelines

30% Rule: 30% Rule: Spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent.
50/30/20 Rule: 50/30/20 Rule: 50% on needs (rent, utilities, food), 30% on wants, 20% on savings.
1/3 Rule: Landlords typically require income of 2.5-3x the monthly rent.

How to Use

30% Rule: 30% Rule: Spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent.

50/30/20 Rule: 50/30/20 Rule: 50% on needs (rent, utilities, food), 30% on wants, 20% on savings.

1/3 Rule: Landlords typically require income of 2.5-3x the monthly rent.

Use Cases

Evaluating a lease offer

Before signing a lease, input the desired rent to see if it fits your budget. This helps you avoid committing to a rent that may strain your finances.

Example: You're considering a $1,500/month apartment. Enter your income and expenses to see if it's affordable or if you need to negotiate or look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Rent Affordability Calculator work?
It uses your annual income, monthly debt payments, and other monthly expenses to estimate a comfortable rent range. Typically, it suggests spending no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent, but it also considers your debts and expenses to give a more personalized figure.
What is the 30% rule for rent?
The 30% rule suggests that you should spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. This calculator applies that guideline, but it also adjusts for your monthly debt payments and other expenses to help you avoid overextending your budget.
Should I include utilities in my monthly expenses?
Yes, it's wise to include all recurring monthly costs like utilities, groceries, transportation, and insurance in the 'Other monthly expenses' field. This gives a more accurate picture of your disposable income and helps the calculator recommend a rent that fits your overall budget.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Use your take-home pay (after taxes) for a more conservative estimate, though the calculator uses annual income as provided.
  • Include all monthly debt payments, such as credit cards, student loans, and car loans, to get an accurate picture of your obligations.
  • Be realistic about 'other monthly expenses' – include groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment to avoid underestimating your costs.
  • Consider saving for emergencies and future goals; if the calculator suggests a rent that leaves little room for savings, you may want to aim lower.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to include all monthly debt payments, which can lead to overestimating how much rent you can afford.
  • Underestimating other monthly expenses by only listing fixed bills and ignoring variable costs like food and entertainment.
  • Using gross income instead of net income, which can make rent appear more affordable than it actually is.

Last updated: August 13, 2026