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Browse Salary Guides →The most common guideline: spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. On a $55,000 salary, that's $1,375/month. A good starting point, but not the whole picture.
Lenders and landlords often check your total debt payments including rent. Keep your total DTI under 43% — that's rent + loans + credit card minimums combined.
30% works in the Midwest but fails in NYC or San Francisco where median rents exceed what the rule allows for average incomes. Your local market matters.
First month + last month + security deposit = 3× your monthly rent upfront in most cities. Budget for this before signing a lease.
Where the rule came from, why it breaks down in expensive cities, and better alternatives for high cost-of-living areas.
Read guide →Calculate your real rent budget using income, take-home pay, debts, and local cost of living — with worked examples.
Read guide →Most landlords require income 3× the rent. Here's how to calculate your ratio and what to do if you fall short.
Read guide →Want a $2,000 apartment? Here's exactly what annual salary you need by the 30%, 40%, and 50% thresholds.
Read guide →How DTI affects your rental application, what landlords check, and how to improve your ratio before applying.
Read guide →Beyond monthly rent — utilities, renter's insurance, pet fees, parking. Full first apartment budget breakdown.
Read guide →