Rent Affordability Calculator
Enter your income and monthly debts to find a rent that won't strangle your budget — by the 28/36 rule.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
The 28/36 rule — used by landlords and lenders for decades:
- 28% front-end: housing (rent + utilities + renter's insurance) ≤ 28% of gross monthly income.
- 36% back-end: housing + all debts ≤ 36% of gross monthly income.
- Your limit is the lower of the two. Heavy student loans? The back-end rule binds. No debts? The front-end rule does.
- Landlord math: most require annual income ≥ 40× monthly rent — a $2,000 apartment wants $80,000 income.
- City adjustment: the rule is national; expensive cities force trade-offs — smaller place, roommates, or a higher savings sacrifice.
Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford?
Take the lower of: 28% of gross monthly income, or 36% minus your monthly debts. $85k income, $400 debts → ~$1,580/mo.
What is the 28/36 rule?
Housing ≤ 28% of gross income; housing + debts ≤ 36%. Your affordable rent is the lower of the two caps.
What income do I need for $2,000 rent?
About $85,700/year by the 28% rule ($2,000 ÷ 0.28 × 12). Landlords often want 40x rent = $80,000.
Is 30% or 28% the rule?
Both get used — 30% is the popular shorthand, 28% the underwriting standard. Either beats 50%.
Should I count bonuses?
Use base salary for the rent decision — bonuses are unreliable. Count them as savings, not spending power.
What about utilities?
Include them in the 28% — rent + electric + gas + water + renter's insurance is the true housing number.
Roommates change the math?
Yes — apply the rule to your share. Two earners splitting $2,400 each need ~$51k income apiece, not $103k.
Rent vs buy at my income?
Compare the affordable rent against the all-in mortgage payment (P&I + tax + insurance + PMI). Our mortgage calculator does that side.
What if my city is expensive?
The rule still applies — it just means the compliant options are smaller, farther, or shared. Stretching it means a lower savings rate; do it eyes-open.
Do landlords check this?
Yes — most want pay stubs showing ~3–3.33x rent in income, plus a credit check. Have documents ready.