Rent Calculator
Find the rent that fits your income — using the 30% rule landlords screen with, adjusted for your actual debts.
The 30% rule (and where it comes from)
The 30% threshold dates back to U.S. housing policy — households paying more are considered "cost-burdened." It's also the mirror image of the screening rule most landlords use: gross income of at least 3× the rent.
Salary $60,000/yr → gross monthly income $5,000
Standard budget: 5,000 × 30% = $1,500/mo · Conservative: $1,250 · Stretch: $1,750
With $300/mo of debt payments, the debt-adjusted suggestion drops to about $1,350/mo so housing + debt stays near 36% of income.
Don't forget the move-in math
Rent isn't the only housing cost. Budget for renters insurance ($15–$30/mo), utilities if not included ($100–$250/mo), and upfront costs — first month, security deposit, and sometimes last month, which can mean 3× rent in cash before you get keys. If your target rent only works with zero savings left over, drop a tier: an emergency fund protects you better than a nicer apartment. And if your rent budget is approaching a mortgage payment in your area, run the rent vs. buy comparison.
Suppose a specific listing at $2,200/mo is the goal, and the question is how much income it takes to qualify.
Under the 30% rule: required monthly income = $2,200 ÷ 0.30 = $7,333.33 → annual ≈ $88,000.
Under a landlord's 3×-rent screen: required monthly income = $2,200 × 3 = $6,600 → annual = $79,200.
The two thresholds aren't the same calculation — the 30% rule works out to roughly 40× the monthly rent annually, while a straight 3× screen is only 36× — so the 30% rule is actually the harder bar to clear here, by about $8,800/yr.
Gross income needed by rent, under the 30% rule
| Monthly rent | Required monthly income | Required annual income |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $3,333 | $40,000 |
| $1,500 | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| $2,000 | $6,667 | $80,000 |
| $2,500 | $8,333 | $100,000 |
| $3,000 | $10,000 | $120,000 |
Common rent-budgeting mistakes
- Using take-home pay instead of gross income. The 30% rule and landlord screening both run on gross (pre-tax) pay — plugging in your net paycheck makes the recommended rent look far lower than what you'll actually be approved for, and can lead to an unnecessarily cramped search.
- Ignoring existing debt payments. A renter with $300/mo in car and student loan payments who budgets the full 30% for rent can end up with housing plus debt near 42% of income — well past the 36% ceiling most lenders and landlords consider healthy.
- Forgetting the cash needed to move in. Even a rent you can afford monthly can be blocked by the upfront ask — first month, last month, and a security deposit can mean 2-3× the monthly rent in cash before the lease is signed.
Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford?
About 30% of gross monthly income — $1,500/mo on a $60,000 salary. Aim closer to 25% if you carry meaningful debt payments.
Is the 30% rule before or after taxes?
Before taxes (gross income). Landlords use the same math when they require income of 3× the rent.
What income do I need for my rent?
Roughly rent × 40 per year. For $1,800/mo rent, about $72,000/yr gross.
Does the 30% rule match a landlord's 3x rent screening?
Not exactly. The 30% rule works out to about 40× the monthly rent annually; a straight 3x-rent screen is 36×. For $2,200/mo rent that's roughly $88,000 vs. $79,200 — the 30% rule is actually the stricter of the two.
Should renters insurance be part of my rent budget?
Keep it separate from the 30% figure, but plan for it — typically $15-$30/mo, and often required by the landlord before move-in.
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Note: Guideline percentages are general benchmarks; the right budget depends on your location, debts, and goals. Not financial advice. Last reviewed: September 2026.