Rent Calculator
Work out how much rent you can comfortably afford from your income, then pressure-test it. Choose a rent-to-income target, subtract your debts, expenses, and savings to see the money left over, and check the landlord 3x income and 36% debt rules. You can also flip the calculator around to find the income a given rent really needs.
Formula
Worked example
On 5,000 gross monthly income at a 30% target: 5,000 × 0.30 = 1,500 affordable rent, with 1,250 comfortable (25%) and 1,750 stretch (35%). In reverse, a 1,500 rent at 30% needs 1,500 ÷ 0.30 = 5,000 a month, about 60,000 a year.
The 30% rule and the percentages around it
The 30% rule is a long-standing guideline that says you should spend no more than 30% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income on housing. It traces back to U.S. housing policy, where a household paying over 30% of income on rent is officially "cost-burdened." This calculator lets you pick the target percentage instead of locking you to 30: a thrifty 20% leaves the most slack for saving, 25% is comfortable, 30% is the classic recommendation, and 35% to 40% is a stretch that may be unavoidable in expensive cities but leaves little margin. Whatever you pick, multiply your gross monthly income by that share to get a target rent.
Debts, the 3x income rule, and the 36% guideline
Rent is not the only claim on your income, so the calculator can fold in your other monthly debt payments. Many landlords require that gross monthly income be at least three times the rent, which is exactly the 30% rule restated. Many also apply a debt-to-income limit, commonly that rent plus all other monthly debt payments stay under about 36%, with some accepting up to 43%. Entering your debts shows the combined figure and flags whether you clear that bar. If your numbers are tight, a larger deposit, a guarantor, or a co-signer can sometimes bridge the gap.
See the money left over after rent
A percentage rule tells you a ceiling, not whether the month actually balances. Turn on "show money left over" to subtract rent, debts, your other living expenses, and your monthly savings goal from income. A positive number is your discretionary cushion; a negative one means the plan does not fit and you need to trim rent, spending, or the savings target. This mirrors how budgeting tools and several rent sites work, but with the arithmetic shown step by step so you can see exactly where the money goes.
Solving in reverse: the income a rent needs
Found a listing and want to know if your salary qualifies? Switch the mode to "income I need." Enter the rent and your target percentage, and the calculator divides rent by that share to give the gross monthly and annual income required, plus the 3x landlord threshold. This is the same math run backwards, useful for checking a specific apartment, planning a raise, or deciding how many roommates you need to make a place work.
Affordable rent by income and target percentage
| Gross monthly income | 20% (thrifty) | 30% (recommended) | 40% (stretch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $600 | $900 | $1,200 |
| $4,000 | $800 | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| $5,000 | $1,000 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| $6,000 | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| $8,000 | $1,600 | $2,400 | $3,200 |
| $10,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 |
Monthly rent at different shares of gross monthly income.
Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford on my salary?
A common rule is to spend no more than 30% of your gross (pre-tax) income on rent. Divide an annual salary by 12, then multiply by 0.30. For example, a $60,000 salary is $5,000 a month, so about $1,500 in rent. This calculator also lets you choose 20%, 25%, 35%, or 40% if your situation calls for it.
What income do I need to afford a specific rent?
Switch the calculator to "income I need," enter the rent, and pick a target percentage. It divides rent by that share. At the 30% rule, a $1,500 rent needs $5,000 gross a month (about $60,000 a year). Many landlords also want gross income of at least three times the rent.
Should I use gross or net income?
The 30% rule and most landlords use gross (pre-tax) income, which is what this calculator expects. Because your take-home pay is lower, treat the result as a ceiling and lean toward the comfortable 25% figure if your tax burden is high.
What is the 36% rule landlords mention?
It is a debt-to-income limit: your rent plus all other monthly debt payments should stay under about 36% of gross income, though some landlords accept up to 43%. Enter your debts and the calculator shows the combined percentage and whether you clear that threshold.