Follow the default numbers.
With the example inputs shown above, the model gives 30% guideline rent budget: $1,750.
The formula is gross monthly income × 30%. Open the breakdown to trace expenses and assumptions. Change one input at a time to see how your decision changes. This example uses scenario inputs; it is not an offer, tax bill, appraisal or legal determination.
Three rules, three different budgets
The thirty-percent guideline uses gross monthly income. The forty-times screening rule divides annual gross income by forty to estimate maximum monthly rent. The 50/30/20 comparison reserves half of actual take-home pay for needs, then subtracts debts and other essential spending entered. They are budgeting conventions rather than universal affordability limits or legal tenant-screening standards.
Hourly earnings need a realistic schedule
The hourly mode assumes the entered weekly hours across fifty-two paid weeks. Seasonal work, unpaid leave and variable overtime can make actual annual earnings lower. A second earner is entered as annual gross income. Take-home pay is entered separately because withholding, benefits and taxes cannot be accurately inferred from gross salary alone.
Budget the costs outside rent
Utilities, transportation, insurance, childcare and debt payments can make a nominal guideline too high. Use the needs-budget result as a reason to look at your actual spending. Security deposits and moving costs are upfront cash needs rather than recurring rent. The salary and wage tables below are examples of the thirty-percent guideline, not personalized recommendations.
Keep your assumptions with the result
Save the calculation to your deal file to reuse compatible inputs in another tool. The file stays in this browser on this device. Download the CSV to open the complete inputs, results and schedule in Excel or Google Sheets. Use PDF to print the report or save it as a PDF. A share link includes entered financial figures in its URL, so use it only with people you intend to share those numbers with.