How much rent can
you actually afford?

The 30% rule. A widely used guideline is to keep rent at or under 30% of your gross (pre-tax) income, so there's enough left for utilities, food, transport and savings. It's the same yardstick behind HUD's definition of being "cost-burdened" (housing costs above 30% of income). Many landlords run the matching check from the other side: your gross income should be at least 3× the monthly rent — which is the same 33% line. Example: $4,000 gross a month → a 30% ceiling of $1,200, and a landlord's 3× test would approve rent up to about $1,333.

Why gross, not take-home? Landlords and the 30% guideline both use pre-tax pay. If you'd rather budget from your take-home pay, treat the result as an upper limit — 30% of take-home is a stricter, safer target.

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.