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Renters
Rent Affordability Calculator
How much rent can you actually afford? The classic 30% rule says no more than 30% of gross income — this calculator personalizes it for your real take-home and existing bills.
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Annual ÷ 12 if needed
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You might also need
Renters Insurance
Cover your stuff for $10-15/month — required by most landlords.
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Credit Building on Rent
Report your on-time rent to credit bureaus — boost FICO by 20-40 pts.
Start reporting →
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How to use this calculator
- Enter your monthly gross income (annual ÷ 12 if needed).
- Add your monthly take-home pay (after tax and retirement).
- List your existing monthly commitments — car, loans, subscriptions.
- See your safe rent ceiling and disposable income.
What your results mean
The 30% rule has been the US rental affordability benchmark for 50+ years. Going above 30% (cost-burdened) leaves you vulnerable to one bad month — car repair, medical bill, layoff. Under 30% gives you breathing room to save.
Tips for renters in high-cost US cities
- Consider 1-3 month longer leases for lower rent — landlords love stability.
- Get a roommate — cuts rent by 40-50% in most cases.
- Negotiate at lease renewal — landlords lose 1-2 months rent finding a new tenant.
- Bundle renters insurance with auto — usually $10-15/month for $30k coverage.
- Build credit on rent payments with Self, Bilt, or RentTrack.