Boneyard Tools

Rent to Income Ratio Calculator

Find out what percentage of your income goes to rent. Enter your monthly rent and gross monthly income to see your rent to income ratio and whether it meets the common 30 percent guideline.

How to calculate rent to income ratio

  1. Enter your monthly rent.
  2. Enter your gross monthly income (before taxes).
  3. Read the ratio and see the maximum rent at 30 percent of income.

Examples

1,500 rent on 5,000 income

Monthly rent 1,500, gross monthly income 5,000
Ratio 30%, which passes the 30 percent rule

Frequently asked questions

What is the rent to income ratio?

It is your monthly rent divided by your gross monthly income, shown as a percent. Landlords and budgets often use it to gauge whether rent is affordable relative to earnings.

What is the 30 percent rule?

A common guideline that you should spend no more than 30 percent of gross income on rent. At 5,000 a month, that caps rent at 1,500. It is a rule of thumb, not a strict requirement.

Should I use gross or net income?

This calculator uses gross monthly income, meaning your pay before taxes and deductions. Many landlords screen on gross income, though budgeting on net income gives a stricter, more realistic view.

Is a lower ratio always better?

A lower ratio leaves more room for savings, debt and other costs, which is generally healthier. The right level depends on your other expenses and your local cost of living.

Do landlords require a certain ratio?

Many landlords look for gross income of about three times the rent, which is a ratio near 33 percent or lower. Requirements vary, so check with the specific landlord or property.

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