How much rent can I afford?

Start with your monthly take-home pay. Subtract spending outside housing and the amount you want to save. What remains has to cover rent and costs such as utilities, renters insurance, and parking.

You do not need a listing first. You need a starting budget that you can change once you see the places available.

Where does the 30% rule fit?

It is a starting benchmark, not permission to spend a fixed amount. HUD's broad affordability guideline includes utilities in housing costs. It does not know your debt payments, childcare, or savings plans.

This calculator starts with 30% of gross income for housing, limited by your available monthly money. If you set a savings goal, that choice takes over. The slider then lets you see the tradeoff directly.

Could you cover the move?

A monthly rent budget does not tell you whether you have enough cash to move. First month’s rent, the deposit, moving, furnishing and any other upfront charges all need a place in the plan. HUD’s rental guidance lists possible upfront costs, including application and utility connection fees. Check the actual charges for the place you are considering.

In the calculator’s move-in cash breakdown, choose Edit move-in costs to add your own amounts. Extra upfront costs start at $0. Add them once here; recurring bills belong in monthly costs.

Check the landlord’s requirements too

A landlord may apply a separate income requirement. Your monthly budget and move-in cash can work while that requirement still needs checking.

Use actual take-home pay when you know it. If your income varies, choose a monthly amount you can reasonably rely on, and allow for expenses that do not happen every month.

Example, not a recommendation for your household. See assumptions and limits.