Rent Affordability Calculator
See how much rent you can afford from your income using the 30% and 3x rent rules. Free and accurate.
Independently verified for accuracy
Calculator by Toolsloft ↗- Max rent (30% rule)
- 1500
- Max rent (3x income rule)
- 1666.67
This calculator shows how much rent you can afford using two common rules landlords apply: the 30 percent guideline and the three times rent income requirement. Enter your gross monthly income to see both limits.
How this is calculated
The 30 percent rule caps rent at 30 percent of gross monthly income. The three times rent rule, common on rental applications, requires income of at least three times the rent, which is the same as capping rent at income divided by three.
How to use
- Enter your gross monthly income before taxes and deductions.
- Read the maximum rent under the 30 percent rule.
- Read the maximum rent under the three times rent rule.
Examples
- $5,000 monthly income:
30% rule: $1,500 - $8,200 monthly income:
30% rule: $2,460
FAQ
- What is the 30 percent rule for rent?
- It is a budgeting guideline that keeps rent at or below 30 percent of your gross monthly income, leaving enough for other costs and savings.
- Why do some landlords require income of three times the rent?
- The 3x rent rule is a screening standard on many rental applications. Requiring gross monthly income of at least three times the rent gives landlords confidence that a tenant can cover the payment reliably.