Rent Affordability Calculator

Free rent affordability calculator using the 30% rule and 50/30/20 budget framework. Enter your income and debts to see your maximum affordable rent. Compare spending at different rent levels and see full budget breakdowns.

Gross Monthly Income ($)

Existing Monthly Debt ($)

Student loans, car payments, credit cards, etc.

Savings Goal (%)

Approximate Tax Rate (%)

Combined federal + state + local income tax rate

Enter your gross monthly income above to calculate how much rent you can afford, see a full budget breakdown, and compare different rent levels.

Disclaimer: This rent affordability calculator provides estimates for budgeting purposes only. Actual affordability depends on your complete financial situation, local cost of living, and personal circumstances.

The 30% rule is a general guideline and may not be appropriate for all income levels or locations. In high cost-of-living areas, many renters spend a higher percentage of their income on housing. Consider consulting a financial advisor for personalized advice.

Utility estimates are rough approximations and vary significantly by location, apartment size, and usage. Security deposit requirements vary by landlord and local regulations.

How to Use Rent Affordability Calculator

1Enter your gross monthly income.
2Add existing monthly debt payments.
3View your maximum affordable rent and budget breakdown.
4Compare different rent levels to find your sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of my income should go to rent?▾

The standard guideline is no more than 30% of gross monthly income. Some financial advisors recommend 25% for better financial flexibility. In expensive cities, many people spend 35-40%, but this leaves less for savings and other expenses.

What is the 50/30/20 rule?▾

50% of after-tax income goes to needs (rent, utilities, food, insurance), 30% to wants (entertainment, dining out, hobbies), and 20% to savings and debt repayment. This framework helps ensure balanced spending.

Should I include utilities in the 30% rule?▾

Ideally yes — total housing costs (rent + utilities + renter's insurance) should stay under 30%. Utilities typically add $100-300/month depending on location and apartment size.

About Rent Affordability Calculator

NexTool's Rent Affordability Calculator is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your data is processed directly in your browser and never sent to our servers, ensuring complete privacy and instant results.