Affordability
How much rent can you really afford?
Not just the 30% rule. See what's actually comfortable given your debts - and the gap between that and the most a landlord will approve.
Gross (before tax).
Car, student loans, credit cards, etc. (not rent)
We'll tell you if it's comfortable, a stretch, or risky.
Calculated on your device. Educational only.
You'll be comfortable around
$1,100–$1,400/mo
Landlords often approve you for far more than is wise. The gap between the blue and gray bars is the danger zone - qualifying for it doesn't mean you can afford it.
Don't forget the upfront cash. Even an affordable rent needs a big lump sum to move in. Estimate your move-in cost →
Educational estimate, not financial advice. Guidelines (28/36 and 3× rent) are rules of thumb - your real budget depends on taxes, savings goals and local costs.
How much rent can I afford?
The quick rule most people know is spend no more than 30% of your gross (pre-tax) income on rent. On a $5,000-a-month income that's about $1,500. It's a fine starting point, but it has a blind spot: it ignores everything else you already owe. Two people earning the same salary can afford very different rents once a car payment or student loan is in the picture - which is why the calculator above asks for your debts, not just your income.
A more honest number: the 28/36 rule
Lenders and budgeting pros use the 28/36 guideline, and it's what drives the “comfortable” figure here:
- Housing under 28% of gross income. That caps the rent itself.
- All debts under 36% of gross income. Rent plus car payments, student loans, and minimum credit-card payments stay under this line.
Your comfortable rent is whichever of those two comes out lower. With no other debt they land in the same place; the more you already owe each month, the more the 36% test pulls your comfortable rent down. Worked example: earn $5,000/month with $400 in monthly debts and the housing test allows $1,400 (28%), while the debt test allows $1,800 − $400 = $1,400 - so your comfortable rent is about $1,400.
The 3× rent rule: what a landlord will approve
Most landlords screen applicants with the 3× rent rule - your gross monthly income must be at least three times the rent (the same thing as 40× the monthly rent in annual salary). On $5,000/month that clears rent up to about $1,675. Notice the gap: a landlord will approve you for meaningfully more than the 28/36 rule says is comfortable. Qualifying for the maximum and being able to live on it are two different things - the space between them is where renters quietly become rent-burdened.
How much rent can I afford on my salary?
A quick reference assuming little or no other monthly debt. “Comfortable” is the 28% figure; “landlord max” is the 3× rule. Your own debts lower the comfortable column - the calculator above does that math for your exact numbers.
| Annual income | Monthly (gross) | Comfortable rent | Landlord max (3×) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $3,333 | ~$925 | ~$1,100 |
| $50,000 | $4,167 | ~$1,175 | ~$1,400 |
| $60,000 | $5,000 | ~$1,400 | ~$1,675 |
| $75,000 | $6,250 | ~$1,750 | ~$2,075 |
| $100,000 | $8,333 | ~$2,325 | ~$2,775 |
One more thing the percentages leave out: rent isn't the only housing cost. Before you commit, price the upfront cash to move in (deposit, first and last month, fees), and if you're starting mid-month, the prorated first payment. An “affordable” rent can still be a stretch the month you actually sign.
Frequently asked questions
How much of my income should go to rent?
A common rule is no more than about 30% of your gross (pre-tax) income. But it's smarter to also check the 28/36 guideline - housing under 28% of gross, and all debts including rent under 36% - which accounts for your other monthly payments.
What is the 3× rent rule?
Many landlords require your gross monthly income to be at least three times the rent (equivalently, 40× the monthly rent in annual income). It's how they screen applicants - but qualifying for that maximum doesn't mean it's comfortable.
Why is the rent I qualify for higher than what's comfortable?
Landlord screening only checks income against rent. It ignores your debts, savings goals, taxes, and other costs. That's why our calculator shows both the landlord-approved maximum and a debt-aware comfortable range - the gap is where people overcommit.
Does affordability include more than rent?
Yes. Budget for utilities, renters insurance, and the large upfront cash to move in (deposit plus first and last month). An 'affordable' rent can still be a stretch once those are added.
Found a place in budget? See the upfront cash you'll need to move in → then check the lease before you sign →