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Rent Budget

How much rent can
you actually afford?

Enter your monthly income and instantly see your recommended rent ceiling, your rent-to-income ratio, and the up-front cash you'll need to move in (first month + security deposit).

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Advanced (roommates, deposit)
Recommended rent ceiling
$0/mo
A common guideline is to keep rent at or below 30% of income
Comfortable 25%
$0
Recommended 30%
$0
Stretch 40%
$0
Cash to move in (first month + deposit) ≈
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How to set a safe rent budget▾

The 30% rule. A widely used guideline is to keep rent at or under 30% of your income, so there's enough left for utilities, food, transport and savings. Many landlords also want your gross income to be at least 3× the monthly rent to approve you.

Budget for more than rent. Add utilities (electric, gas, water, internet), renters insurance and commuting. Rent at 40%+ of income usually squeezes everything else.

Up-front cash. Most places need first month's rent + a security deposit (often about one month) before you move in — and some ask for last month's rent too. This tool estimates that move-in cash for you.

This is a simplified estimate and not financial advice; your other debts and goals matter too.

This calculator is a general budgeting aid, not financial advice. Deposit limits and landlord requirements vary by state and city; check your local rules and your lease.

Renting know-how

The stuff that saves you money and headaches — before, during and after your lease.

📋 How to Read a Lease Before You SignThe clauses to check and the red flags to catch → 🛡️ Renters Insurance ExplainedWhat it covers, how much you need, do you need it → 💵 How to Get Your Security Deposit BackWear and tear vs. damage, and how to protect yourself → 🔑 Move-Out ChecklistLeave right and get your deposit back → 🚪 Can My Landlord Enter Without Notice?Notice rules, quiet enjoyment, and what to do → 📆 How to Break a Lease Early (Legally)Legal reasons, duty to mitigate, limit what you owe → 🔧 Landlord Won't Make Repairs?Habitability, notice, and your real options → 📈 Can My Landlord Raise the Rent?Mid-lease, notice, rent control, unfair raises → ⚠️ How to Avoid Rental ScamsRed flags, verify a listing, what to do if scammed → 👥 Renting With RoommatesJoint liability and roommate agreements → ⚖️ Can I Be Evicted? How the Process WorksSelf-help is illegal, notice types, and the court process → 🚫 Housing Discrimination: Know Your RightsFair Housing protected classes and how to file → 💰 How Much to Move Into an Apartment?Beyond first month's rent — how much to save →

Checklists & setup

Start here — what to pack, buy and set up when you move in.

📦 First Apartment Essentials ChecklistEverything to buy before you move in → 🍳 Kitchen Essentials for a First ApartmentThe starter kitchen, from pots to a dish rack → 🎓 College Dorm Essentials ChecklistWhat to pack for a dorm, Twin XL and all → 🏠 How to Set Up a Studio ApartmentZone one room into living, sleep and work → 🚚 Moving Supplies Checklist & Buying GuideBoxes, tape and the kit for a smooth move →

Furniture & home

The big pieces and finishing touches — chosen for small, rented spaces.

🛌 Best Mattresses for RentersMattress-in-a-box, foam vs. hybrid, sizing → 🛏️ Bed Frame Buying GuidePlatform vs. storage beds for small rooms → 🛋️ Best Small Sofas for ApartmentsLoveseats, futons, and will it fit the door → 🖥️ Small-Space Home Office SetupA desk, chair and lighting that fit → 🧶 Best Area Rugs for ApartmentsDefine a space and protect the floor → 🌙 Renter-Friendly Blackout CurtainsBlock light and sun with no drilling → 🗄️ Storage & Organization GuideMake a small place hold more, no damage →

Appliances & comfort

Heating, cooling, air and laundry for a rental — nothing permanent.

❄️ Portable vs. Window ACCool an apartment with no central air → 🌀 Fan & Air Circulator GuideStay cool and even out the temperature → 🔥 Space Heater Buying GuideWarm one room safely without huge bills → 💧 Dehumidifier Buying GuideBeat damp, condensation and musty smells → 🌬️ Air Purifier Buying GuideFor dust, allergies, pets and city air → 🧊 Mini Fridge Buying GuideSizing, quiet cooling and freezer reality → 🧺 Portable Washing MachinesDo laundry with no hookup needed → 🧹 Best Vacuums for ApartmentsCordless, robot and small-space picks →

Kitchen, cleaning & tech

The small stuff that makes day-to-day renting easier.

🍟 Best Air Fryers for a Small KitchenFast cooking without heating the place → ☕ Best Coffee Makers for a Small ApartmentDrip vs. single-serve for tight counters → 🧼 Cleaning Supplies Starter KitWhat to stock to protect your deposit → 📶 Best WiFi Routers for an ApartmentSkip the monthly ISP rental fee →