How Much Rent Can I Afford?
A common rule: spend no more than 30% of gross monthly income on rent — and most landlords require income of 3x the rent to approve you.
Rules of thumb, not financial advice — your city, savings goals, and lifestyle shift the number. Utilities usually add $100–200/mo on top.
What the numbers mean
The 30% rule is the classic ceiling: rent at or below 30% of gross income keeps room for everything else. In expensive cities plenty of people stretch to 40% — it works, but something else gives.
The landlord math matters more than the rule. Most landlords want to see gross income of about 3x the rent (that's the same 33% line from the other direction). If you're under it, you'll likely need a co-signer or roommate — plan that before you tour, not after you fall in love with a place.
Debt changes your real ceiling. $300/mo of payments effectively shrinks your comfortable rent by a couple hundred dollars — the calculator accounts for that.
Before you start touring
Know your number, then grab the apartment tour checklist so the place that fits your budget also passes inspection — and the savings calculator to see the upfront costs beyond rent.