Rent Calculator Formula & How It Works
- 30% rule: keep rent ≤ 30% of gross monthly income
- Stricter rule: rent ≤ 30% of net (take-home) income
- 50/30/20 variant: needs (incl. rent) ≤ 50% of take-home pay
The 30% rule is the most widely used rent guideline: spend no more than 30% of gross monthly income on rent. In high-cost cities, many residents exceed this, but staying under 30% ensures you have budget for other financial goals. Use net income as a stricter measure.