Rent Affordability Calculator
Find a comfortable rent from your income and debts using the 30% rule, the 50/30/20 budget and the 40x landlord income test.
Comfortable rent$0
30% rule
50/30/20 budget (needs share, after debts)
Landlord 40× income test (max rent)
Debt-to-income with this rent
Estimates are for planning only and are not financial, legal or insurance advice. Rules and costs vary by state, city and lease.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 30% rule for rent?
A common guideline that housing costs should take no more than about 30% of your gross (pre-tax) income. Households that spend more than 30% are often described as cost-burdened.
What is the 40x rent rule?
Many landlords require gross yearly income of at least 40 times the monthly rent. A $1,500 apartment would require about $60,000 a year. Some accept a guarantor or co-signer if you don't meet it.
Should I include utilities?
Yes. Rent plus utilities is what you actually pay to live there, so the calculator subtracts your expected utilities from the housing budget.