How Much Rent Can You Afford?

Use our free rental affordability calculator to find out. Compare the 30% and 50% rules, factor in debts, and see how splitting with roommates affects your budget.

Rental Affordability Calculator

Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income and expenses

30% Rule (Traditional)

Recommended for financial stability and savings

per month maximum rent

50% Rule (Maximum)

Upper limit - may limit savings and lifestyle

per month maximum rent

Rule Comparison

Rule	Max Rent	Pros	Cons
30% Rule	$0	More savings, less stress	Fewer housing options
50% Rule	$0	More housing choices	Limited savings potential

Quick Answer: How Much Rent Should I Pay?

Financial experts recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. For example, if you earn $5,000 per month, your rent should be $1,500 or less. However, in high-cost areas, you may need to stretch to 50% temporarily while building savings elsewhere.

5 Key Takeaways About Rental Affordability

The 30% rule is the gold standard: spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent
The 50% rule is the upper limit: avoid spending more than half your income on housing
Factor in all monthly debts (student loans, car payments, credit cards) when calculating affordability
Roommate arrangements can significantly reduce your individual rent burden
Landlords typically require your income to be 2.5-3x the monthly rent