# Rent Affordability Calculator

> Free rent affordability calculator: enter your income to see your max rent under the 30% rule and the 3x income rule landlords use, or check a target rent.

Enter your monthly income and debts to see the rent you can afford under the two rules that matter: the 30 percent budgeting rule and the 3x income rule most landlords require. Optionally test a target rent against your income.

*Interactive tool: enter your values at https://toollantern.win/rent-affordability-calculator/ and results update instantly in your browser.*

## How the math works

Two rules govern this calculator. The **30 percent rule** says housing should cost no more than 30 percent of gross monthly income: max rent = income x 0.30. The **3x income rule** is what landlords actually enforce: most require gross income of at least 3 times the rent, so max rent = income / 3. The recommended max is whichever is lower.

## Worked example

Monthly income of **$4,000** with **$300** in debts. The 30 percent rule gives $1,200. The 3x rule gives $1,333. The recommended max is **$1,200**, leaving $4,000 - $300 - $1,200 = **$2,500** for everything else.

## What the rules miss

Neither rule knows your other costs. High childcare, medical bills, or debt payments can make even 30 percent unaffordable, while a debt-free renter might stretch a bit higher safely. In expensive cities many renters exceed 30 percent; if you do, budget it explicitly rather than letting savings quietly drain. Read the full [how much rent can I afford guide](/renting/how-much-rent-can-i-afford/) for the 50/30/20 method and landlord requirements.

## Limitations

This calculator uses gross income and does not account for taxes, regional cost differences, utilities, or roommate splits. Some landlords require 3.5x or 4x income in competitive markets.

## Frequently asked questions
### How much rent can I afford on $4,000 a month?

Under the 30% rule, $1,200. Under the landlord 3x rule, up to $1,333. The safer ceiling is $1,200, and less if you carry significant debts.

### What is the 3x rent rule?

Most landlords require your gross monthly income to be at least 3 times the monthly rent. For a $1,500 apartment, that means showing $4,500 in monthly income.

### Should I use gross or net income?

Both rules conventionally use gross (pre-tax) income, which is more generous. Running the numbers on take-home pay gives a more conservative and more realistic ceiling.

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Interactive version: https://toollantern.win/rent-affordability-calculator/