Question 1

How much of my income should go to rent?

Accepted Answer

A widely used guideline is about 30% of gross monthly income, though 25% is more comfortable and up to 35% is a stretch. The calculator shows all three so you can pick what fits your situation.

Question 2

Is the 30% rule based on gross or net income?

Accepted Answer

The classic rule uses gross (pre-tax) income. If your taxes or other debts are high, budgeting against take-home pay gives a more realistic and often lower figure.

Question 3

What else should I budget for besides rent?

Accepted Answer

Factor in utilities, renters insurance, internet, commuting, and a security deposit. These add up, so keeping rent below the maximum leaves room for the rest.

Question 4

How can I track rent and other spending?

Accepted Answer

Lumi lets you log rent and every other expense in seconds and forecasts your month-end balance, so you can see whether your housing cost really fits your budget.

Rent Affordability Calculator

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