Rent Affordability Calculator

Figuring out how much you can afford in rent starts with understanding your income and monthly obligations. This rent affordability calculator uses the 30% rule as a baseline — the widely accepted guideline that your rent should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income.

But the 30% rule alone doesn't tell the full story. Our calculator goes further by factoring in your actual debts, savings goals, and recurring expenses to give you a number that reflects what you can realistically afford each month — not just what a landlord might approve.

1. Enter your income — toggle between annual pre-tax salary or monthly take-home pay. If you enter your annual salary, we estimate your take-home at 75% (assuming roughly 25% in taxes).
2. Add your monthly debts — include car payments, student loans, credit card minimums, and any other recurring debt obligations.
3. Set your savings goal — how much you want to save each month for retirement, emergency fund, or other financial goals.
4. Include other expenses — utilities, groceries, subscriptions, transportation, and anything else you spend monthly.

The calculator instantly shows your recommended rent, a visual gauge of where you fall on the affordability scale, and a breakdown of how your income is allocated. Adjust any input and results update in real time.

The 30% rule is the most common answer to "how much rent could I afford?" — it says your housing costs should be at most 30% of your gross (pre-tax) income. Property managers and landlords typically use this ratio when evaluating rental applications.

Here's how different income levels translate:

Keep in mind: in expensive cities like New York or San Francisco, many renters spend 35% to 50% of their income on housing. While this is common, it leaves less room for saving and can be financially stressful long-term.

• Get a roommate — splitting rent and utilities with one or two roommates can cut your housing costs by 30% to 50%.
• Negotiate your lease — landlords may offer a lower rate for longer lease terms, upfront payment, or moving in during slower months (winter).
• Look beyond the city center — neighborhoods just outside downtown often have significantly lower rents with reasonable commute times.
• Cut recurring costs first — review subscriptions, dining out, and discretionary spending before deciding you can't afford rent in your target range.
• Build an emergency fund — aim for 3 months of rent saved before signing a lease, so an unexpected expense doesn't put you at risk of missing payments.