Money · renting
Rent Affordability Calculator
By the Dailycaltor team · formula-verified · last updated July 2026
How much rent fits your income.
$
Affordable monthly rent
—
Details
Conservative (25%)—
Standard (30%)—
Stretch (35%)—
Advertisement
Formula
The 30% rule: rent ≤ 30% of gross monthly income (annual ÷ 12 × 0.30). Landlords often require income of 2.5–3× the rent — the same rule from the other side.
Worked examples
- $60,000/yr → about $1,500/month at 30%.
- $45,000/yr → $1,125 standard, $937 conservative.
- A $2,000 rent typically needs ~$80,000 income to qualify.
Common mistakes
- Using take-home pay against a rule built for gross income (or vice versa) — be consistent.
- Ignoring utilities, parking and renter's insurance that sit on top of rent.
- Stretching to 40%+ in high-cost cities without cutting elsewhere.
Last updated: July 2026. Educational estimates only.
Questions
How much rent can I afford?
A common ceiling is 30% of gross monthly income; the tool shows 25% and 35% bands too.
Is the 30% rule gross or net?
Gross (pre-tax) income — landlords screen on gross.
What income do landlords require?
Commonly 2.5–3× the monthly rent, sometimes with credit checks.
Does the rule fit expensive cities?
Many renters exceed 30% there; the conservative band helps protect other goals if you must stretch.
Should roommates change the math?
Yes — apply the rule to your share of the rent.