Find out how much rent you can comfortably afford based on your income and existing debt. See results using the 30% rule, landlord screening thresholds, and conservative-to-aggressive ranges.
Car, student loans, credit cards — not utilities
Recommended Maximum Rent (30% Rule)
$1,500
Conservative (25%)
$1,250
More room for savings
Recommended (30%)
$1,500
Standard guideline
Aggressive (35%)
$1,750
Tighter budget
Landlord screening: Most landlords require income of at least 3x the rent. Based on your income, you'd qualify for up to $1,667/mo under this standard.
Adjusted for debt: After your $500/mo in debt payments, the 30% rule suggests no more than $1,350/mo on rent.
See what rents look like in your area
Search any zip code to see median rents and market trends — so you know what your budget gets you.
The most widely used guideline says spend no more than 30% of gross monthly income on rent. This has been the standard since 1981 when the U.S. government set it as the threshold for "affordable" housing. Spending more is considered "cost-burdened." In practice, millions of renters in high-cost cities exceed 30% — the rule is a target, not a ceiling.
Most landlords screen tenants by requiring gross income of at least 3 times the monthly rent. This is roughly equivalent to the 33% rule and ensures tenants can comfortably cover rent plus other expenses. Knowing this threshold before you start searching saves time — you can focus on rentals you are likely to qualify for.
Want to see what rents look like in a specific area? Check our Fair Market Rent lookup to see HUD rent data by zip code, or create a free PropMetrics account to browse real-time rental listings and market data.
If the 30% rule puts you well below median rents in your area, you have a few options. Look at nearby zip codes where rents are lower. Consider a roommate to split costs. Or look at the 35% threshold — it is tighter, but it is reality for many renters in high-cost markets. The key is knowing your number before you start searching so you don't waste time on places you can't afford.
If you own rental property, understanding affordability from the tenant's perspective helps you price correctly. A rental priced above what local incomes support will sit vacant longer and attract fewer qualified applicants. Check our guide to setting rent for a comp-based approach to pricing.
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