Rent Budget Calculator
Find how much rent you can comfortably afford from your income using the 30% rule, plus conservative and stretch ranges.
How it works
Target rent = monthly income × target% · Conservative = 25% · Stretch = 35% · Debt-adjusted max = 36% × income − monthly debts
The 30% rule of thumb says housing should take no more than about a third of gross income, a guideline dating to what counts as "rent-burdened" in housing policy. This calculator shows that 30% target alongside a conservative 25% and a stretch 35% band, because the right number depends on your other costs and city. It also applies the debt-adjusted ceiling — 36% of income minus your existing debt payments — which is closer to how landlords and lenders think, and reports the monthly income many landlords require (roughly three times the rent).
Worked example
On $72,000 a year, gross monthly income is $6,000. The 30% target is $1,800, with a $1,500 conservative floor and a $2,100 stretch. With $300 of monthly debt, the 36% back-end room is $6,000 × 0.36 − $300 = $1,860 — so about $1,800 is a comfortable rent, and a landlord would typically want to see ~$5,400/month of income.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 30% rule outdated?
It is a starting point, not a law. In expensive cities many people spend 40%+ out of necessity, while those with high debt or savings goals stay under 25%. Use it as a benchmark and adjust for your real expenses.
Why do landlords want income of 3× the rent?
Requiring gross monthly income of about three times the rent is a common screening rule — it maps to roughly the 33% guideline and gives landlords confidence you can pay consistently. Some markets use 2.5× or 40× the monthly rent as annual income.
Should I budget on gross or take-home pay?
The 30% rule traditionally uses gross income, but budgeting against take-home pay is more realistic since that is what actually lands in your account. If you use net pay, aim for a somewhat higher percentage, closer to 35–40%.
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Educational estimate, not financial or real-estate advice. Actual costs, rates and returns vary by lender, market and property.