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Rent Affordability Calculator (2026)

Free educational estimate · Last reviewed: June 2026

See roughly how much rent you can afford using the well-known 30% rule, plus a debt-adjusted view that accounts for your existing monthly payments. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is stored or sent anywhere.

House keys and a small model house on a desk, representing renting a home
Real-world money tools - illustrative photo. Always check your full budget before signing a lease.
WarningThis is a simplified educational estimate, not financial advice. It uses general rules of thumb and does not include utilities, renters insurance, taxes, savings goals, or your full financial picture. Affordable rent varies widely by city and situation. Always review your own budget and consider a licensed professional before signing a lease.
Estimated affordable rent (30% style rule)
$0
$0
Debt-adjusted (28/36 lender view)
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Roughly per week

Estimate updates as you type. The debt-adjusted figure caps housing plus other debt at 36% of gross income, then subtracts your debts. Rent only — utilities and other costs are extra.

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Rent is one piece. See how it fits a simple 50/30/20 monthly budget.
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How the rent affordability calculation works

The headline figure uses the percentage rule: it multiplies your gross monthly income by the share you choose, defaulting to 30%. The debt-adjusted figure follows the lender-style 28/36 guideline. It takes 36% of your gross income as the most you would put toward all debt, subtracts your existing monthly debt payments, and treats what remains as room for rent. If your debts are high, this number is lower than the simple 30% figure, which is the point of including it.

What this estimate does and does not include

The tool estimates rent only. It does not add renters insurance, utilities, parking, internet, commuting, or savings goals, and it does not subtract taxes from your income, since the 30% rule is traditionally based on gross income. Costs and typical rents vary enormously between cities. Use the result as an upper guideline and build a full monthly budget before committing to a lease.

Common questions

Should I use gross or take-home pay?

The classic 30% rule uses gross income, before taxes. Because taxes and deductions shrink your paycheck, 30% of gross can be a bigger slice of take-home pay. If you want to be conservative, enter your net income instead, or lower the percentage.

Why is the debt-adjusted number lower?

It caps total debt, including rent, at 36% of gross income and then subtracts your current monthly payments such as car loans, student loans, and credit cards. The more you already owe each month, the less room is left for rent.

Is my data saved?

No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is stored, transmitted, or shared.

Related guides → 50/30/20 Budget Calculator: split your take-home pay → Savings Goal Calculator: plan a deposit or move → How to Build an Emergency Fund

Method: affordable rent estimated as a chosen percentage of gross monthly income (30% rule), and a debt-adjusted figure from the 28/36 lender guideline (36% of gross income minus existing monthly debt payments). General references include published explainers from NerdWallet, Bankrate, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Always check your own full budget.