Rent affordability calculator
How much rent you can afford by the 30% rule, the 3x rent rule and the 40x rule.
- ๐บ๐ธ US federal & state rules
Rent you can afford (30% rule)
$1,500 a month
On $60,000 a year before taxes
- 30% of income
- $1,500
- 3x rent rule
- $1,667
- 40x rent rule
- $1,500
- That rent as share of income
- 32%
This is an example. Enter your numbers above and press the button to see your own result.
Checking $1,600 a month
| 30% rule | Short (needs $64,000 a year) |
|---|---|
| 3x rule (monthly income at least 3 times rent) | Passes (needs $4,800 a month) |
| 40x rule (yearly income at least 40 times rent) | Short (needs $64,000 a year) |
- These are rules of thumb, not laws. Landlords set their own income requirements, and some accept a guarantor instead.
- The 40x rule is common in New York City. It works out to 30% of gross income, close to the 3x rule.
- If you have large debt payments, aim lower than these numbers.
Show the math
| Monthly income | $60,000 รท 12 = $5,000 |
|---|---|
| 30% rule | $5,000 ร 0.30 = $1,500 |
| 3x rule | $5,000 รท 3 = $1,667 |
| 40x rule | $60,000 รท 40 = $1,500 |
What to do next
How it works
The 30% rule caps rent at 30% of gross monthly income. The 3x rule divides monthly income by three. The 40x rule divides yearly income by 40. If you enter a rent, the calculator checks it against each rule and shows the income each one needs.
Things to keep in mind
These rules use income before taxes and ignore debts, so they can overstate what feels affordable. If you carry car or student loan payments, plan for less.
Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford on $60,000 a year?
The 30% rule gives $1,500 a month. The 3x rule allows up to $1,667, and the 40x rule gives $1,500.
What is the 3x rent rule?
Landlords ask that your gross monthly income be at least three times the rent. For $1,600 rent you would need $4,800 a month, or $57,600 a year.
What is the 40x rent rule?
Common in New York City, it asks for yearly income of at least 40 times the monthly rent. For $2,500 rent, that is $100,000 a year.