How much rent can I afford?

The most common budgeting advice for renters suggests spending no more than 30% of your before-tax monthly income on rent. This breakdown ensures you’ll have additional money leftover for utilities, savings, and other expenses.

Most financial experts recommend 30% so you have additional money each month to allocate toward other expenses. Also, when landlords review applications, they often want to see that you make at least 3x the rent, meaning the rent only accounts for about 33% of your income.

You can calculate rent affordability by multiplying your pre-tax monthly income by 0.3. There are also online calculators, like Zumper's rent calculator above, that can help you get personalized rental budgets based on your income, expenses, and desired location.

Most rent calculators use your gross income (your before-tax income) because that's what landlords usually request on your application. However, you can also opt to create your own personalized budget on your net (after-tax) income. This can give you a more realistic view of what your actual monthly financials will look like with rent costs.

What you can afford in rent depends on several personal factors, which can vary widely from one person to another. Your income, debt, desired location, whether you have roommates and how many, and any necessary monthly expenses all affect your rent affordability. Make sure to include all of these variables when setting a realistic budget.

Yes, depending on your personal finances, priorities, and comfort. In many major cities like New York and Los Angeles, renters often spend more than 30% of their income on rent simply because the cost of living is higher. Just be sure to do your research and account for all of your expenses before signing a lease so you aren’t overextending your finances and renting a place beyond what you can afford. Use the calculator to see how different rent prices impact your finances overall.

Rent calculators provide general guidance based on budgeting best practices. Actual affordability may vary depending on your debt, lifestyle, local rent prices, and other financial obligations.

Yes. Rents across the U.S. tend to be higher in summer and cheaper in winter. This can vary city to city, but generally speaking, timing your move during slower months like January or February can help you save a few hundred dollars a year. Read more about seasonality trends on our blog.