How Much Rent Can I Afford?
Enter your hourly wage or salary and see your rent budget instantly — the comfortable, standard, and stretch ranges. Free, no sign-up.
Rent affordability by hourly wage
Quick reference for full-time work (40 hours/week), using gross income:
| Hourly wage | Monthly income | Comfortable (25%) | 30% rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15/hr | $2,600 | $650 | $780 |
| $17/hr | $2,947 | $737 | $884 |
| $18/hr | $3,120 | $780 | $936 |
| $20/hr | $3,467 | $867 | $1,040 |
| $22/hr | $3,813 | $953 | $1,144 |
| $25/hr | $4,333 | $1,083 | $1,300 |
| $28/hr | $4,853 | $1,213 | $1,456 |
| $30/hr | $5,200 | $1,300 | $1,560 |
| $35/hr | $6,067 | $1,517 | $1,820 |
| $40/hr | $6,933 | $1,733 | $2,080 |
Rent affordability FAQs
How much rent can I afford?
The standard guideline is the 30% rule: spend no more than 30% of your gross (before-tax) monthly income on rent. So if you earn $4,000/month, aim for rent around $1,200. A more comfortable target is 25%, and 40% is the realistic ceiling in expensive cities.
How much rent can I afford making $20 an hour?
At $20/hour working 40 hours a week, your gross monthly income is about $3,467. The 30% rule puts your rent budget around $1,040/month — or about $867 for a more comfortable 25%.
Should I use gross or net income for the 30% rule?
The classic 30% rule uses gross (before-tax) income — that’s also what landlords check when they require income of 2.5–3x the rent. If you prefer being conservative, apply 30% to your take-home pay instead.
What if rent in my city costs more than 30% of my income?
You’re not alone — in many cities 40%+ is common. If rent must stretch beyond 30%, balance it by trimming the wants category and tracking spending closely. Roommates also change the math fast: splitting a 2-bedroom usually beats renting a studio solo.
How do landlords calculate if I can afford rent?
Most landlords require gross monthly income of about 3x the rent (the inverse of the 33% rule). Some accept 2.5x. If you fall short, a guarantor, a larger deposit, or proof of savings can help.
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