How Much Rent Can I Afford?
Where the 30% guideline comes from and when it should be lower.
4 min read
Step by step
- Start from gross monthly income before deductions.
- Multiply by 0.30 for the classic guideline ceiling.
- Subtract debt payments to see what is really left each month.
- Use a lower percentage in expensive cities or with high debt.
Key takeaway: 30% is a guideline, not a rule — your other costs decide.
Do it automatically
How much rent your income comfortably supports.
Open the Rent Affordability Calculator