Calculator Uni

Rent Calculator

Work out how much rent fits your income using standard ratios.

Your income
$
$

Target rent (30% rule)

$1,500

per month

Comfortable range

$1,250–$1,500

Stretch ceiling

$1,800

Landlord screen (40×)

$1,500

The 30% rule and its limits

Spending under 30% of gross income on rent is the standard affordability line — landlords often require annual income of 40× the monthly rent, which is the same ratio. In expensive metros many renters run 35–40%; the trade-off comes out of savings rate.

Total cost of renting

Budget beyond base rent: utilities ($150–300), renter's insurance (~$15–30), parking, and annual increases of 3–5%. A cheaper unit farther out isn't cheaper if it adds a car — commute costs are rent by another name.

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