Rent Affordability Calculator

Determine how much rent you can afford based on your income.

About this Tool

The Rent Affordability Calculator helps you determine a reasonable monthly rent based on your income. It uses the common financial guideline that you should spend no more than a certain percentage of your income on housing costs, typically 30%.

Common Use Cases

Apartment Hunting

Establish a realistic budget before you start looking for apartments to narrow your search.

Financial Planning

Understand how much of your income will be allocated to housing, allowing you to budget for other expenses and savings.

Relocation

Estimate affordable rent in a new city based on your expected salary.

Pro Tips

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    The 30% Rule

    The 30% rule is a popular guideline, but you can adjust the percentage based on your financial situation and priorities. In high-cost-of-living areas, you may need to allocate more.

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    Consider Other Costs

    Your total housing cost includes more than just rent. Factor in utilities, renter's insurance, parking, and potential HOA fees.

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    Gross vs. Net Income

    This calculator typically works best with your gross (pre-tax) income, as that's what many landlords use for qualification (often called the 40x rule, meaning your annual income should be 40 times the monthly rent).

Frequently Asked Questions