Rent Affordability

See the rent your income supports using the 30 percent rule, the 40 times rent check and a 25 to 35 percent table.

Rent affordability calculator

Gross annual income

Monthly rent you are considering

Gross monthly income: —

Maximum rent at 30 percent: —

40 times rent check: —

Your rent is — of gross income

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The 40 times rent check compares a year of income with 40 months of rent, which is the same 30 percent of income.

Common questions about the free online rent affordability.

It is a common guideline that rent should take no more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income before tax is deducted.

Many landlords want a yearly income of at least 40 times the monthly rent, which works out at the same 30 percent of income.

No. It is a rule of thumb. In expensive cities many people pay more, and in cheaper areas they often pay a good deal less.

Most guides use gross income before tax. Working from take home pay gives a more cautious and usually safer budget.

Salary, bonuses, pensions, benefits and reliable freelance earnings usually count, while one off windfalls are often ignored.

It gives them comfort that the rent is affordable and that a single month without work would not stop you paying it.

Add deposits, agency fees, utilities, insurance, parking and commuting, because rent alone rarely covers the full cost of moving.

Above 35 percent of gross income leaves little room for saving, and above 40 percent many households start to struggle.

No. Your figures are used only in your browser and are never sent to a server, stored or shared with anyone.

Yes. It is completely free, requires no account and has no limit on how many times you use it.

Last updated: October 10, 2026