How Much Rent Can I Afford?
Find a rent range that fits your income. Enter what you earn — yearly, monthly, or hourly — and your monthly debt payments, and the calculator applies four common guidelines, from the 30%-of-income rule to the income test most landlords use.
The top of the range is roughly what a landlord will approve; the bottom leaves more room for savings, utilities, and everything else. Adding your state estimates your take-home pay, so you can see rent as a share of what you actually bring home.
Calculator
Use your household’s combined income if you’re renting with a partner or roommates.
Rent you can afford
$1,050 – $1,667
per month, including utilities if you can
- Gross monthly income
- $5,000
- Estimated take-home / month
- $4,199
The top of the range is what most landlords will approve; the bottom leaves the most room for savings and your other bills.
| Guideline | Max rent | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 30% of gross income | $1,500 | The classic guideline used by HUD and most renters. |
| Landlord 3× rule | $1,667 | Many landlords require monthly income of at least 3 times the rent. (The “40× rent” rule some use equals the 30% guideline.) |
| Rent + debts ≤ 36% of gross | $1,500 | Leaves room for the car, student loan, and card payments you already have. |
| 25% of take-home pay | $1,050 | A conservative target that leaves more for saving. |
Take-home pay is a single-filer estimate after 2026 federal and state income tax and FICA. Budget separately for utilities, renters insurance, parking, and a security deposit.
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Calculation Formulas
The HUD cost-burden benchmark.
Example:
$5,000 a month → $1,500.
A typical leasing requirement.
Keeps rent plus debts within a 36% debt-to-income ratio.
A conservative target based on after-tax income.
Key Figures
| Figure | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly conversion | 2,080 hours/year | 40 hours × 52 weeks. |
Note: Results are estimates for planning purposes. Rates, fees, taxes, and insurance vary by lender and location — confirm exact figures with a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
Standards & Sources
Last verified: October 2026
- HUD cost-burden definition
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development considers households paying more than 30% of income for housing to be cost-burdened.
- Take-home estimate
Uses the same 2026 federal, state, and FICA engine as our paycheck calculator, for a single filer.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your gross income and whether it’s per year, per month, or per hour.
- Enter your total monthly debt payments, such as car loans, student loans, and credit card minimums.
- Optionally choose your state to estimate take-home pay.
- Read your affordable rent range and compare the guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much rent can I afford on $60,000 a year?
About $1,500 a month under the 30% rule ($60,000 ÷ 12 × 30%). Landlords using the 3× income test would approve up to about $1,667. If you have other debt payments, aim lower.
What is the 30% rule for rent?
A long-standing guideline that rent should take no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. Households paying more than that are considered “cost-burdened” by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
What is the 3× rent rule?
Many landlords require your gross monthly income to be at least three times the rent. For a $2,000 apartment, that means earning at least $6,000 a month, or $72,000 a year. Some use 40 times the monthly rent in annual income instead, which works out to the 30% rule.
Should I include utilities in my rent budget?
Ideally, yes. The 30% guideline is meant to cover housing costs, so if utilities aren’t included in the rent, set aside part of your budget for them.
Guides to go with this calculator
How Much Rent Can I Afford? The 30% Rule and Beyond
The classic answer is 30% of your gross income — but landlords use their own test, and your debts and take-home pay matter too. Here’s a quick table and how to find your number.
How Much Can You Borrow With a HELOC?
Your HELOC limit starts with simple math: a percentage of your home’s value, minus what you owe. Here’s the formula, examples at 80%, 85%, and 90%, and the other factors lenders check.
How Much House Can You Afford?
A lender will tell you the biggest loan you qualify for. That’s rarely the amount you should borrow. Here’s how to find a home price that fits your life, not just your file.
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