Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income. See recommended budgets at 30%, 40%, and 50% thresholds.
The 30% rule says spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Enter your income to see affordable rent at different thresholds.
The 30% Rule and When to Break It
The "30% rule" says you should spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. It originated from US public housing guidelines in the 1980s and became the default advice worldwide. But it's a guideline, not a law of nature.
In expensive cities like London, Edinburgh, or Bristol, 30% may be unrealistic. The average London renter spends 35-40% of their income on rent. The question isn't whether you can hit 30% — it's whether your remaining 60-70% comfortably covers everything else: food, transport, bills, savings, and life.
A better approach: work backwards from your non-negotiable expenses, savings goals, and lifestyle costs. Whatever's left is what you can genuinely afford for rent — regardless of what percentage that represents.
Affordable Rent by Salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross | 30% (Recommended) | 40% (Stretched) |
|---|---|---|---|
| £25,000 | £2,083 | £625/mo | £833/mo |
| £30,000 | £2,500 | £750/mo | £1,000/mo |
| £40,000 | £3,333 | £1,000/mo | £1,333/mo |
| £50,000 | £4,167 | £1,250/mo | £1,667/mo |
| £60,000 | £5,000 | £1,500/mo | £2,000/mo |
What this means for you: These figures use gross (pre-tax) income. Using net income gives a more realistic picture of what you can actually afford. A £40,000 salary yields roughly £2,660 net monthly — 30% of that is £798, not £1,000.
Hidden Costs Renters Forget
Rent isn't just rent. Budget for these before signing a lease — they can add £200-500/month on top of the headline figure:
£100-250/month depending on band and area. Often not included in rent.
£80-200/month for gas and electric. Older properties with poor insulation cost more.
£10-25/month. Landlord's insurance doesn't cover your belongings.
£25-50/month. Check what's available before signing — some areas have limited options.
5 weeks' rent max in England. Plus first month's rent — that's 9 weeks' rent before you move in.
Cheaper rent further out can be offset by £150+/month in commuting costs. Factor in the total.
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How to use this tool
Enter your income (monthly or annual)
Optionally add monthly debt payments
Click Calculate to see affordable rent ranges
Common uses
- Working out how much rent you can afford on your salary
- Checking whether a specific rental property fits your budget
- Comparing affordability at different income levels
- Factoring debt repayments into your housing budget
- Planning a move to a new city with different rental costs
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