Understanding the rent calculator
A long-standing rule of thumb is to keep rent at or below 30% of gross monthly income, leaving enough for savings, food, transport, and everything else. Landlords often apply the same threshold when screening applicants, sometimes requiring that annual income be at least 40 times the monthly rent.
The 30% guideline is a starting point, not a law. In expensive cities many people spend more, while those with large existing debts or aggressive savings goals should aim lower. The back-end figure above caps total debt rent plus loans and card minimums at 36% of income, which is the ceiling most lenders and budgeters recommend.
Results are estimates for education only and are not financial advice.