A worked example
A $6,000 gross monthly income at the standard 30% guideline supports a rent budget of about $1,800 a month.
Frequently asked questions
Why 30% specifically?
It's a long-standing budgeting guideline (originating from US federal housing policy) suggesting housing costs shouldn't exceed about a third of gross income — a reasonable starting point, not a rule landlords are required to follow.
Do landlords actually use this exact number?
Many use a similar guideline, sometimes expressed as 'income must be 2.5-3x the rent' — which works out to roughly the same 30-40% range, though specific requirements vary by landlord and market.
This calculator provides general estimates only and is not financial advice.