calc.funmagi.com · free money calculators

How Much Rent Can I Afford? Calculator

Check your rent budget against the rules landlords and planners use most: the 30% rule, the landlord income rule (40×, 3× or 2.5× rent) and the 36% debt rule.

By TanLabs · Formulas cross-checked against the free spreadsheet · Updated 2026-10-31 · Runs in your browser – nothing you type is sent anywhere

Gross annual income$Monthly debt payments$Landlord income rule

📥 Download the free Excel / Google Sheets version (same formulas, no sign-up).
Want the full system? Undated Budget Binder – 12 Printable Pages – $7

How to use this calculator

Enter your gross (pre-tax) yearly income. For a couple applying together, use combined income.
Enter monthly payments on car loans, student loans, cards and other debts.
Pick the landlord rule from the listing or ask the agent: 40× the rent per year, 3× the monthly rent, or 2.5×.
Use the lowest figure as your safe ceiling, then check it against your real budget after utilities and insurance.

Worked example

With gross annual income $60,000, monthly debt payments $450, landlord income rule: income ≥ 40× monthly rent (per year):

Rent around $1,350/mo (most conservative)
30% rule: $1,500 · 40× rule: $1,500 · 36% total-debt rule: $1,350

Change any number above – the result, chart and table update instantly. Use Copy link to save or share your exact scenario.

How it's calculated

30% rule: rent ≤ gross monthly income × 0.30. Landlord rule: annual income ≥ 40 × monthly rent, or monthly income ≥ 3 × rent (= 36× per year) or 2.5 × rent (= 30× per year). 36% rule: rent + other debt payments ≤ gross monthly income × 0.36.

Rent by income and rule

Maximum monthly rent by gross yearly income (no other debts):

Gross yearly income	30% rule	40× rule	3× monthly (36×)	2.5× monthly (30×)
$35,000	$875	$875	$972	$1,167
$50,000	$1,250	$1,250	$1,389	$1,667
$60,000	$1,500	$1,500	$1,667	$2,000
$75,000	$1,875	$1,875	$2,083	$2,500
$100,000	$2,500	$2,500	$2,778	$3,333
$150,000	$3,750	$3,750	$4,167	$5,000

The 40× rule and the 30% rule give exactly the same answer (40× a year is 2.5% of income a month, the same as 30% ÷ 12). A 3× monthly rule is a little looser and 2.5× is the most generous, so check which one the landlord uses.

Common mistakes

Using take-home pay with gross-pay rules. The rules are built on gross income. If you budget from take-home, aim lower than 30%.
Forgetting move-in costs. First month, deposit, application fees and movers can add up to two or three months of rent.
Leaving out utilities and insurance. Electricity, internet and renters insurance often add $150–$300 a month.
Stretching to the maximum. The figure is a ceiling, not a target. Rent below it leaves room for savings.

FAQ

Which rule do landlords use?

Many US landlords ask for income of 40× (sometimes 3× monthly) the rent. Check the listing.

Gross or take-home pay?

These rules use gross (pre-tax) income. If money feels tight, budget from take-home pay instead.

What about utilities?

Leave room for utilities and renters insurance on top of rent.

What if I do not meet the income rule?

Landlords may accept a guarantor, a co-signer, a larger deposit or proof of savings. Some accept several months of rent paid up front.

Should I use the 30% rule in an expensive city?

Many renters in high-cost cities pay more than 30%. If you do, keep wants and other debts low and make sure you can still save something every month.

Does rent include utilities?

Usually not. Check the listing; if utilities are included, you can afford a slightly higher rent.

Related calculators

50/30/20 Budget Calculator
Split your take-home pay into needs, wants and savings using the 50/30/20 rule – and chang…Emergency Fund Calculator
Work out how big your emergency fund should be and how many months it will take to get the…Credit Card Payoff Calculator
Find out how many months it takes to pay off a credit card, how much interest you will pay…