The Renter's Ledger
Start with income, your preferred housing percentage, and the recurring costs beyond base rent.
Enter your numbers
Estimated target rent
$1,550
Estimated base-rent target after subtracting recurring housing costs. This is a planning benchmark, not an approval rule.
Change any input and calculate again to compare another scenario.
Check your lease
A common starting point is to keep rent near 30% of gross income, but that is a planning benchmark rather than a rule for every household. Enter your income, preferred percentage, and recurring housing costs to estimate how much base rent may fit your chosen budget.
Need help finding the relevant clause? Review it with LeaseGuard.Target base rent = monthly gross income x target percentage - other monthly housing costs.
This is a planning estimate based on the numbers you enter. The lease, timing rules, and local requirements may affect the real amount or deadline.
Change an input and calculate again to compare another scenario.
At 30%, the starting housing budget is $1,800 per month before subtracting utilities and other housing costs.
If utilities, parking, and insurance total $250, subtract them to estimate the remaining base-rent budget.
Divide annual gross income by 12, multiply by your chosen housing percentage, and subtract other recurring housing expenses.
No. It is a common budgeting benchmark. Your actual limit depends on taxes, debt, savings, location, and household needs.
For a more realistic plan, include recurring utilities, parking, renter insurance, and required monthly fees in total housing cost.
Last reviewed August 8, 2026 · This calculator provides an informational estimate and is not legal, financial, tax, or housing advice.
