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Property & Home Costs · United States

Rent Affordability Calculator

Updated on 22 Oct 2026 · Checked by Aotob

You can afford about $1,200 a month in rent.

That keeps rent and debts within 30% of gross pay.

A year, for everyone on the lease

Income is

The 30% rule is a common guide; 25% is comfortable

Monthly loan and card payments

Utilities, phone, internet a month

Rent you can afford

$1,200a month

30% of gross pay$1,500
Less debt payments$300
Landlord 40× rent test$1,500
Left after rent, debts and bills$3,300

Many US landlords want gross yearly income of at least 40 times the monthly rent.

Show the working

60,000 ÷ 12 × 30% − 300 = 1,200

What people ask next

Is buying better than renting?with $1,200Where does my money go each month?with $1,200What will a rent rise cost?with $60,000How big a deposit do I need to buy?with $1,200

Rent by share of pay

Share of payRent a month
20%700
25%950
30%1,200
35%1,450
40%1,700

Questions people ask

How much should I spend on rent?

A common guide is 30% of gross pay. In expensive cities many spend more; 25% leaves more room to save.

What income do landlords want?

Many US landlords want yearly income of 40 times the monthly rent; UK agents often ask for 30 times. A guarantor can help if you fall short.

Should I use gross or take-home pay?

Gross is the usual rule; take-home is more realistic. Switch the basis to see both.

Related

Rent vs Buy50/30/20 BudgetRent IncreaseDown Payment

Updated 22 Oct 2026Source: Standard maths; typical prices are averages, checked October 2026Checked by AotobA guide; landlords set their own tests.Report an issue