How much rent can I afford?
Enter your income and pick a comfort level.
How rent affordability is calculated
The 30% rule says rent should be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income, leaving room for other needs, wants, and savings. Multiply your monthly income by your chosen share to get a target rent. Separately, many landlords use the 3x rent rule, requiring that your gross monthly income be at least three times the rent, so we also show the income a given rent would need to pass screening.
Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford?
A common guideline is the 30% rule: spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. If you earn 5,000 per month before taxes, that puts your target rent around 1,500.
What is the 30% rule for rent?
It suggests keeping rent at or below 30% of your gross monthly income so enough is left for other needs, wants, and savings. Multiply monthly income by 0.30 to find the limit.
What is the 3x rent rule?
Many landlords require gross monthly income to be at least three times the rent. A 1,500 rent typically needs about 4,500 in monthly income to pass screening.
Should I use gross or net income?
The 30% rule usually uses gross income. Using take-home (net) income gives a more conservative budget, especially in high-tax areas.
Is my income data saved anywhere?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is uploaded or stored on a server.
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Disclaimer: Results are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial advice. Lender and landlord requirements vary.