Most renters are told to spend no more than 30% of their gross income on rent. It's a useful anchor, but it ignores student loans, car payments, and the reality of high-cost-of-living cities where the 30% rule prices renters out of every listing.
This calculator shows three numbers side by side: the classic 30% benchmark, a conservative 25% budget, and a debt-adjusted maximum that subtracts your fixed monthly obligations before calculating what's left for rent. Use whichever matches your risk tolerance.
Student loans, car payments, credit card minimums.
25% rule (conservative)
$1,563/mo
Leaves room for savings
30% rule (standard)
$1,875/mo
Most landlord screening
Debt-adjusted max
$1,755/mo
After fixed obligations
Apartments you'd qualify for
2.5x rent rule
up to $2,500
3x rent rule
up to $2,083
Gross monthly income
$6,250
How it works
We calculate gross monthly income from the salary you enter, then run three models: 30% of gross (industry standard landlord screening), 25% of gross (conservative budget that leaves room for savings), and a net-of-debt model that subtracts your monthly debt payments before applying 30% to what remains.
Most landlords require gross monthly income to be 2.5x to 3x the rent. The calculator flags which apartments you'd qualify for at common income multiples (2.5x, 3x, 3.5x).
Frequently asked questions
- What percentage of income should go to rent?
- The widely cited rule is 30% of gross income. In expensive metros like NYC, San Francisco, and Boston, many renters spend 35–40% out of necessity. If you carry student loans or car debt, aim closer to 25% so fixed costs don't crowd out savings.
- Do landlords use gross or net income to qualify renters?
- Almost always gross (pre-tax) income. Most US landlords require gross monthly income equal to 2.5x to 3x the rent. Some luxury buildings require 40x annual income.
- Does this calculator factor in utilities?
- No — the output is base rent only. Plan to add $100–$250/month for electricity, gas, internet, and water depending on apartment size and climate. Our utility setup guide breaks it down by city.
- How accurate is the 30% rule today?
- The 30% rule comes from 1969 housing policy and assumes stable housing costs. In 2025, the median US renter spends 31% of income on rent and over half of renters in major metros are cost-burdened (40%+). Treat 30% as a ceiling, not a target.
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