Calculate how much rent you can afford based on income, debts, and the 30% rule, 50/30/20 rule, or 3x rent rule. See your affordable range instantly.
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Figuring out how much rent you can afford is the first step to a smart apartment search. The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent — but that single rule doesn't tell the whole story. This calculator applies three popular affordability rules side by side — the 30% rule, the 50/30/20 budget rule, and the 3x rent rule used by landlords — so you can see a full range of what's affordable. For example, on a $60,000 salary your affordable range is roughly $1,250 to $1,667 per month depending on which rule you follow. Enter your income, debts, savings, and expenses to get a personalized result with step-by-step math.
The rent-to-income ratio measures the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward rent. Financial experts and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recommend keeping this ratio at or below 30%. When rent exceeds 30% of income, you are considered 'cost-burdened'; above 50% is 'severely cost-burdened.' This ratio helps landlords screen tenants and helps renters set realistic budgets. Our calculator computes this ratio automatically and tells you whether your housing costs are comfortable, stretched, or cost-burdened.
Rent-to-Income Ratio Formula
Rent-to-Income Ratio = (Monthly Rent ÷ Gross Monthly Income) × 100See exactly what percentage of your income goes to rent before signing a lease. Overspending on housing is the #1 cause of financial stress — this calculator helps you set a ceiling you can sustain.
View the 30% rule, 50/30/20 budget rule, and 3x landlord rule results simultaneously. Each rule serves a different purpose, and comparing them gives you a realistic range rather than a single number.
Factor in debts, savings goals, and living expenses for a realistic picture of what you can afford. Knowing your remaining budget after rent prevents unpleasant surprises.
Most landlords require tenants to earn at least 3x the monthly rent. Use the reverse calculator to find the exact salary you need to qualify for your target apartment.
Determine your maximum rent before browsing listings so you don't waste time on places you can't afford. Set realistic filters on apartment search sites by knowing your ceiling.
Calculate whether a salary offer covers rent in your target city. Use the reverse calculator to see if $2,500/month rent is feasible on a $75,000 salary.
Students and young professionals can use the 50/30/20 rule to build a complete monthly budget around their first apartment, ensuring room for savings and fun.
Landlords can use the 3x rent rule to verify whether an applicant's income meets the standard qualification threshold for the listed rental price.
The 50/30/20 rule allocates 50% of after-tax income to needs (housing, groceries, utilities), 30% to wants (dining, entertainment), and 20% to savings and debt repayment. Since rent is one of several 'needs,' it should typically be about 30% of your net income under this rule, leaving room for other necessities like food, insurance, and transportation.
At $20/hour working 40 hours per week, you earn about $41,600 per year or $3,467 per month gross. By the 30% rule, your max rent is $1,040/month. By the 3x rule, max rent is $1,156/month. So $1,000/month is affordable by both standards, but it's close to the limit — budget carefully for utilities and other expenses.
By the 3x rule (most common landlord requirement), you need $3,000 × 3 = $9,000/month or $108,000/year. By the 30% rule, you need $3,000 ÷ 0.30 = $10,000/month or $120,000/year. Aim for at least $108,000–$120,000 annually to comfortably afford $3,000/month rent.
As a general rule, spend no more than 30% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income on rent. For a $60,000 salary: $60,000 ÷ 12 = $5,000 per month × 0.30 = $1,500/month maximum rent. However, you should also factor in debts and expenses — use our calculator to see your personalized affordable range.
The 30% rule recommends spending no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. It originated from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a benchmark for affordable housing. For example, if you earn $5,000/month gross, your max rent should be $1,500. While widely cited, this rule may not fit everyone — high-income earners can safely spend less, and some high-cost cities make it impractical.
The 3x rent rule is a landlord screening standard requiring tenants to earn at least three times the monthly rent in gross income. For $1,500/month rent, you need at least $4,500/month, or $54,000/year. This is a qualification standard — not a budgeting tool. You may pass the 3x test but still feel stretched if you have heavy debts or savings goals.
On a $50,000 salary: the 30% rule gives max rent of $50,000 ÷ 12 × 0.30 = $1,250/month. The 3x rule gives $50,000 ÷ 36 = $1,389/month. A comfortable range is $1,000–$1,250/month, leaving room for other expenses, savings, and an emergency fund.
In many high-cost cities, renters spend 40–50% of income on housing. While the 30% rule remains a useful guideline, it may not be achievable everywhere. Consider your total expenses, savings goals, and local cost of living. The 50/30/20 rule can be a more holistic alternative that accounts for your complete financial picture, not just rent in isolation.