Rent Calculator
Find how much rent you can responsibly afford based on your gross income, using the standard 30% rule plus a check against your other recurring debts.
How to use the Rent Calculator
- Enter your inputs into the Rent Calculator above.
- Results update instantly as you type — no submit button needed.
- Adjust any value to see how the result changes in real time.
The 30% rent rule
Max rent = Gross monthly income × 0.30
The widely-used 30% rule says rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income. Some lenders use 30% of net (post-tax) income; some major-city tenants stretch to 35–40% out of necessity.
Worked example
A renter earning $5,500/month gross can afford up to $1,650/month in rent (30% rule), or up to $1,925 (35%) if they have low other expenses. A combined $300/month in other debt payments cuts the comfortable max to about $1,400.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use gross or net income?
Landlords typically check gross income against the 30–35% threshold. From a budgeting perspective, basing rent on net (take-home) income is more conservative and more reflective of cash flow.
What other costs go with rent?
Utilities (often $100–250/month), renters insurance ($15–30/month), parking, internet and pet rent can add 15–25% to the headline rent figure.
Is the 30% rule realistic in high-cost cities?
In NYC, SF and other top-tier markets, the median renter spends 35–45% of income on rent. The 30% rule is a guideline, not a law — but living significantly above it constrains other financial goals.