Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford using the 30% rule and the 36% debt-to-income guideline. Free, instant results.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the 30% rule?
- A long-standing guideline that rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income. It is a benchmark, not a law — high-cost cities often require more.
- What is the 36% rule?
- Lenders generally prefer total monthly debt payments, including the new rent, to stay under 36% of gross income.
- Should rent include utilities?
- If you pay utilities separately, subtract your average utility bill from the result before choosing a rent.
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