For tenants

    Rent Affordability Calculator

    Work out how much rent you can comfortably afford from your income, using the common 30% guideline. Adjust the slider to see a range that fits your budget.

    Your income
    $

    Use gross income, before tax, the way most landlords assess applications.

    Enter your income to see what you can comfortably afford.

    A guideline, not a rule. The common benchmark is spending about 30% of gross income on rent. Your real number depends on debts, savings goals, and the rest of your budget.

    The 30% guideline, and where it bends

    The most common rule of thumb is to spend about 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. It is a useful anchor, but it is not a law of nature. Someone with no debt and a stable job might comfortably spend more, while someone carrying student loans or saving for a goal may want to spend less. The calculator shows a conservative figure at 25%, a target at the share you choose, and a stretch at 35%, so you can see a range instead of a single number.

    How landlords read the same number

    Many landlords and property managers use a version of this rule to screen applications, often looking for rent at or below a third of gross income, or income at roughly three times the rent. Knowing your number in advance makes a stronger application and saves you from chasing listings that will not pass screening. A guarantor or co-signer can change what a landlord will accept.

    Budget for the whole cost, not just the rent

    Rent is rarely the only housing cost. Utilities, internet, tenant insurance, and commuting all add up, and some are bundled into rent while others are not. Before you commit, check the affordable figure against your real take-home pay and the rest of your monthly budget. When you do move in, keeping your rent and receipts in one place makes the relationship with your landlord simpler from day one.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much of my income should go to rent?

    A common guideline is about 30% of your gross monthly income, before tax. It is a starting point, not a rule. People with low debt and steady income can sometimes go higher, while those with student loans, car payments, or savings goals may want to stay lower.

    Do landlords use the 30% rule to screen applicants?

    Many do. A frequent benchmark is that rent should be no more than about a third of gross income, or that income should be roughly three times the rent. Policies vary, and a guarantor or co-signer can change the picture.

    Should I use gross or net income?

    Use gross income, before tax, because that is usually how landlords assess applications. For your own budgeting, it is worth checking the number against your take-home pay too, since that is what actually pays the rent.

    What else affects what I can afford?

    Existing debt payments, utilities not included in rent, savings goals, and the cost of living in your city all matter. The calculator gives a conservative, target, and stretch figure so you can see a sensible range rather than a single number.

    See all free Habyn tools.