Rent Affordability Calculator
Find a rent level that fits your income using the 30% rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 30 percent rule for rent?
A long-standing guideline says housing should cost no more than 30 percent of gross income. Landlords often use it too, requiring income of at least three times the monthly rent.
Should debts change how much rent I can afford?
Yes. Lenders often look at a total debt-to-income ratio around 36 percent. If rent plus loan and card payments exceed that, budgets get tight even if rent alone passes the 30 percent test.
Gross or net income for the rule?
The classic rule uses gross (pre-tax) income. If you prefer a stricter budget, apply the percentage to your take-home pay instead, which leaves more room for savings and surprises.
Is the Rent Affordability Calculator free, and is my data private?
Yes. It is completely free and every calculation runs locally in your browser, so the numbers and dates you enter are never uploaded, stored, or shared with anyone.
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