Rent Affordability Calculator (HUD Comparison)
See how much rent fits your income using the 30% rule, 28/36 rule, and 50/30/20 budget. Compares against HUD Fair Market Rent for your state and bedroom count.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 30% rule for rent?
The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross monthly income on rent. If you earn $5,000/month, that puts your ceiling at $1,500. The rule comes from HUD's definition of housing affordability — households spending more than 30% on housing are considered cost-burdened.
What is HUD Fair Market Rent?
HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) is the 40th percentile of gross rents for standard-quality units in each metro or non-metro area. It includes shelter plus essential utilities (water, sewer, trash, heating) but excludes phone, cable, and internet. HUD updates FMR each October.
Should I use gross or net income?
The standard 30% rule uses gross (pre-tax) income, which is why this calculator defaults to gross. Net income gives a more conservative answer that reflects what you actually take home. For a realistic check, compare both: if 30% of net still exceeds local rents, you have room; if only 30% of gross fits, expect to budget tightly.