How much rent can I afford?

This rent affordability calculator works out the maximum rent you can reasonably pay based on your net monthly income, using the common 30% recommended and 35% prudent-limit guidelines.

How much of your income should go to rent

The rule of thumb used by landlords, tenants and financial advisors alike is to cap rent at 30-35% of net monthly income, leaving room for the rest of your expenses, debt payments and savings. Going above that share tends to squeeze the rest of your budget, even if the rent itself feels “affordable” on paper.

Example

With €1,800 in net monthly income, the recommended rent is about €540 (30%), with a prudent upper limit of €630 (35%). Landlords and rental platforms often apply a similar income-to-rent ratio when screening applicants, so staying within this range can also make it easier to get approved.

For guidance only — your actual budget depends on your other expenses and financial goals.

FAQ

Why 30% of income?

It's a widely used budgeting rule: keeping rent at or below 30% of net income tends to leave enough room for other essentials, debt payments and savings. It's a guideline, not a hard limit.

What does the 35% figure mean?

It's a more prudent upper limit for people with few other fixed expenses or debts. Going past it usually means little room left for unexpected costs or saving.

Should I use gross or net income?

Net (take-home) income. Rent is paid out of what actually lands in your account each month, not your gross salary before taxes and deductions.