Find out how much rent you can afford. This free rent calculator uses the 30% rule to recommend a rent budget from your income, with conservative and stretch ranges and a debt-adjusted maximum.
Your budget
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$
The 30% rule suggests keeping rent at or below 30% of gross income.
Recommended max rent
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Enter your monthly income
Conservative (25%)
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Stretch (35%)
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Max with your debts
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Annual rent (30%)
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Results update automatically as you type. Guidelines only — landlords and your own budget set the real limit.
Use this free rent calculator to find out how much rent you can afford. Enter your monthly income to see your recommended rent budget based on the 30% rule, plus conservative and stretch ranges.
What this rent calculator shows you
A rent calculator estimates how much rent fits your budget. Enter your gross monthly income — and optionally your debts — and it returns your recommended rent (30% rule), a conservative and stretch range, and a debt-adjusted maximum so you can rent within your means.
Spending too much on rent leaves little for savings and emergencies, so a clear ceiling helps you apartment-hunt with confidence.
How much rent can I afford?
The most common guideline is the 30% rule: spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. On a $5,000 monthly income, that’s about $1,500. If you carry other debt, lenders and landlords often want your rent plus debts to stay under roughly 43% of income.
Monthly income
25%
30%
35%
$3,000
$750
$900
$1,050
$5,000
$1,250
$1,500
$1,750
$7,500
$1,875
$2,250
$2,625
$10,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
How to use the rent calculator
Enter your gross monthly income. Your income before tax.
Add monthly debt payments (optional). Loans, car payments and minimum credit card payments.
Read your result. Your recommended rent and ranges update instantly.
Tips for renting within your means
Budget for more than rent. Utilities, internet, renters insurance and deposits add up.
Use gross income consistently so the percentages match what landlords check.
Keep some buffer. Renting at the very top of your range leaves no room for surprises.
Many landlords want income of 3× the rent — the inverse of the 33% guideline.
Rent terms glossary
Term
What it means
30% rule
Spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent.
Gross income
Your income before tax and deductions.
Rent-to-income ratio
Your rent divided by your income, as a percentage.
3× rent rule
A landlord requirement that income be at least three times the rent.
Rent Calculator FAQ
How much rent can I afford?
A common guideline is the 30% rule: spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. On $5,000 a month, that's about $1,500. If you have other debts, aim to keep rent plus debts under roughly 43% of income.
What is the 30% rule for rent?
The 30% rule says your rent should be at or below 30% of your gross monthly income, leaving enough for other expenses, savings and debt. It's a starting point, not a hard limit.
Should I use gross or net income?
Use gross (pre-tax) income, because that's what most landlords and the 30% rule are based on. Just remember your take-home pay is lower, so budget accordingly.
What is the 3x rent rule?
Many landlords require your gross monthly income to be at least three times the monthly rent. That's the inverse of spending about 33% of income on rent.
What else should I budget for besides rent?
Beyond rent, plan for utilities, internet, renters insurance, a security deposit and moving costs. These can add a meaningful amount to your monthly housing cost.
Is the rent calculator free to use?
Yes, this rent calculator is completely free, needs no sign-up, and gives instant results directly in your browser.
