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How Much Rent Can I Afford?

Find a comfortable rent from your income using the two rules that matter: the 30% guideline for your budget and the 40-times-rent income test many landlords use.

$1,800Rent you can comfortably afford per month

30% of gross income rule$1,800
Landlord 40× rent rule (income ÷ 40)$1,800
Rent that keeps total debts under 36%$1,860

Many landlords require annual income of at least 40 times the monthly rent; in expensive cities, more than 30% of income on rent is common but leaves less for savings.

How this calculator works

The 30% rule: keep rent at or below 30% of gross monthly income.

The landlord rule: many require yearly income of at least 40 times the monthly rent, which is the same as rent ≤ income ÷ 40.

The headline uses the lower of the two.

A third figure keeps rent plus other debt payments under 36% of income.

Worked example

$72,000 income

  1. 30% rule: $1,800 a month.
  2. 40× rule: $72,000 ÷ 40 = $1,800.
  3. With $300 of other debts, keeping total debts under 36% allows up to $1,860.

Questions people ask

Is 30% realistic in big cities?

Many renters in high-cost cities pay more, but above 30% leaves less for saving. Roommates or a longer commute can help.

What if I don’t meet the 40× rule?

Landlords may accept a guarantor, a larger deposit or proof of savings.

Should I count utilities?

Budget for them separately, or keep rent a little under the limit if utilities aren’t included.

Gross or take-home income?

Both rules use gross income. On a take-home basis, about 35% to 40% is roughly equivalent.

Last reviewed October 2, 2026