Rent Affordability Calculator
Find the monthly rent you can comfortably afford from your income using the 30% rule (or your own ratio), plus the income a landlord’s 3×-rent rule implies. Calculates in your browser.
Affordable monthly rent
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Show the math
A common budgeting guideline caps rent at a share of gross income:
max rent = gross monthly income × ratio%
3× rule: income needed = rent × 3
max rent = income ÷ 3
The 30% rule is a starting point, high-cost areas often push higher, while heavy debt argues for less. Many landlords also want income of at least 3× the rent. Everything is calculated locally in your browser.
What this does
A rent affordability calculator finds the monthly rent you can comfortably afford from your income using the 30% rule (or your own ratio), plus the income a landlord’s 3× rule implies.
How it works
A common guideline caps rent at about 30% of gross monthly income. Many landlords separately require income of at least three times the monthly rent.
Max rent = gross monthly income × ratio
How to use it
- Enter your gross monthly income.
- Adjust the rent-to-income ratio if needed.
- Optionally enter a rent you’re considering.
- Read your maximum rent, the income that rent needs, and what a landlord’s 3× rule allows.
Understanding your result
The 30% guideline traditionally uses gross (pre-tax) income. If you prefer to budget on take-home pay, lower the ratio accordingly.
Example
At 30% of a $5,000 monthly income, rent tops out at $1,500. An $1,800 rent would need $6,000 a month at 30%; a landlord using the 3× rule would want $5,400 a month for it, and at $5,000 the 3× rule allows up to about $1,667.
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford?
A common guideline caps rent at about 30% of gross monthly income. The tool lets you adjust that ratio and shows the resulting maximum rent.
What is the 3x rent rule?
Many landlords require gross income of at least three times the monthly rent. The tool shows the income that rule asks for the rent you enter, and the most rent it allows at your income (income ÷ 3).
Should I use gross or net income?
The 30% guideline traditionally uses gross (pre-tax) income. If you prefer to budget on take-home pay, lower the ratio accordingly.
Do you store my income?
No. Everything is calculated locally in your browser.
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