How Much Rent Can You Afford?

Enter your salary and see how it stacks up against actual rents in your city. Based on the 30% rule, adjusted for local taxes and cost of living.

HUD & Census rent data Private, no data stored Free, no sign-up

Your annual salary (before taxes)

State income tax rate (%) 0 for no-income-tax states (FL, TX, WA, etc.)

Median rent in your city ($)

Check your city profile for this number.

Based on the 30% rule, you can afford up to:

per month in rent

Your Rent Budget Breakdown

Gross Annual Salary

Estimated Federal Tax

Estimated State Tax

Estimated Take-Home (Annual)

Monthly Take-Home

30% of Gross Monthly Income

30% of Take-Home Monthly

Note: The 30% rule is a guideline, not a hard limit. Your situation may warrant spending more or less on rent depending on debts, savings goals, and lifestyle. Tax estimates are simplified. Full disclaimer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 30% rule for rent?

The 30% rule is a widely used guideline suggesting that you should spend no more than 30% of your gross (pre-tax) income on housing costs, including rent and renter's insurance. This guideline originated from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Households spending more than 30% are considered "cost-burdened." The rule is a starting point, not a universal truth. In high-cost cities, many residents spend 35-50% of income on housing by necessity.

Should I use gross or net income for the 30% rule?

The traditional 30% rule uses gross (pre-tax) income, which is how HUD and most landlords calculate it. However, many financial advisors argue that 30% of net (after-tax) income is a more realistic and conservative approach. Our calculator shows both so you can make an informed decision. If you are in a high-tax state, the difference between 30% of gross and 30% of net can be several hundred dollars per month.

What if I cannot find rent within my budget?

In many cities, median rents exceed what the 30% rule recommends for median incomes. Options include finding roommates to split costs, looking at neighborhoods slightly further from the city center, negotiating rent directly with landlords (particularly for longer leases), or adjusting other budget categories to accommodate higher housing costs. Our salary calculator can help you compare cities where your income goes further.