Calculator
Rent affordability calculator
Enter your gross income to find your maximum affordable rent. Choose the 30% guideline, the 3× rule, or a custom ratio.
Before taxes. Landlords always use gross income.
Car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, etc.
Most landlords use 30% (the 3× rule). Adjust to match your situation.
Screening applicants? Tenanture automatically qualifies leads against your income rules, so you only see the tenants who already meet your 3× threshold. Try Tenanture free →
Frequently asked questions
What is the 3x rent rule?
The 3× rent rule means your gross monthly income should be at least 3 times your monthly rent. For example, to afford $1,500/mo in rent you'd need at least $4,500/mo (or $54,000/yr) in gross income. It's equivalent to spending no more than 33% of your gross income on rent. Many landlords use 30% (a slightly stricter version) as their screening cutoff.
How much of my income should go to rent?
The standard guideline is 30% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income. If you earn $5,000/mo gross, that's $1,500/mo in rent. Some financial advisors recommend 25–30% to leave room for savings and other expenses. High-cost cities often push renters to 35–40%, but it becomes harder to save.
Do landlords use gross or net income?
Landlords almost always use gross income, meaning your pay before taxes and deductions. Net (take-home) income varies too much by location, filing status, and benefits elections to be a reliable baseline. When you submit a rental application, expect to provide pay stubs, tax returns, or a bank statement showing regular deposits at the gross level.
What counts as monthly debt for rent qualification?
Monthly debt obligations that landlords (and lenders) typically include: car loan payments, student loan minimums, credit card minimum payments, personal loan payments, and any other recurring debt. Utilities, subscriptions, groceries, and insurance are usually excluded because they vary and aren't contractual debts.
Can I afford rent if I don't meet the 3× rule?
Sometimes, but you'll need to work around it. Options include: a co-signer who meets the income requirement, a larger security deposit, offering several months of prepaid rent, or showing substantial savings (e.g. 6–12 months of rent in a bank account). Not all landlords will work with you. It depends on the property and local market.
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