How this calculator works
Budget mode uses take-home income and subtracts savings, debt payments and all other expenses. It reports zero available rent and a shortfall if those commitments exceed income. Ratio modes use gross income instead, matching common affordability comparisons. Keep utilities and tenant insurance in your budget even if they are billed separately.
Formula
Budget rent = max(0, take-home income - savings - debt - other expenses). Rent-to-income ratio = monthly rent / gross monthly income. Required annual gross income = 12 × rent / target ratio.
Worked example
With $5,000 take-home income, $500 savings, $400 debt and $2,200 other expenses, the remaining rent budget is $1,900. Separately, $1,500 rent at a 30% gross-income target requires $60,000 annual gross income.
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Frequently asked questions
Which income should I enter?
Use take-home income in budget mode. Use gross income for the ratio and required-income modes.
Is 30% a requirement?
It is an editable comparison point. Personal expenses and local rents may call for a different limit.
Should I include utilities in rent?
Use a consistent basis. If utilities are not in rent, include them among other expenses in budget mode.