Renter Budget Calculator (50/30/20)
If your rent eats 40% of your income, the standard 50/30/20 budget is already broken. This calculator starts with your actual rent, then builds a realistic budget around it — showing exactly how much is left for groceries, transport, entertainment, and savings. Includes a roommate scenario that shows how splitting rent unlocks 15%+ more for savings.
Build a complete monthly budget using the 50/30/20 rule, tailored for renters. Enter your monthly income, city, and number of roommates to see exactly how much to allocate to needs (rent, utilities, groceries), wants (dining, entertainment), and savings (emergency fund, retirement). Get your maximum recommended rent and see how roommates free up budget for savings and lifestyle spending.
Before taxes and deductions
No roommates — solo budget
How This Calculator Works
Enter Your Details
Fill in amounts, people, and preferences. Takes under 30 seconds.
Get Fair Results
See an instant breakdown with data-driven calculations and Fairness Scores.
Share & Settle
Copy a shareable link to discuss results with everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Calculate
Rent to Income
For a $2,000/mo apartment, landlords want $6,000/mo gross income (3x rule) or $80,000/yr (40x rule). Check if you qualify solo or with a co-applicant.
Affordability
The 30% rule says you can afford $1,500/mo on a $60K salary. Factor in student loans and your real number drops to $1,100. Get your actual budget.
50/30/20 Budget
On $5,200/month take-home, 50/30/20 gives you $2,600 for needs, $1,560 for wants, $1,040 for savings. If rent alone is $1,800, you have a problem.
DTI Calculator
Most landlords reject you above 40% DTI. Calculate your debt-to-income ratio, see max affordable rent at 36% and 43% thresholds, and know where you stand.
True Cost
That $1,500/mo apartment actually costs $2,200 when you add utilities, parking, commute, laundry, and fees. See the real number before you sign a lease.
Emergency Fund
Spending $4,000/month means you need $24,000 for a 6-month emergency fund. See your coverage gap and a timeline to close it.
Rent Split
Your roommate with the master suite shouldn't pay the same as the person in the closet-sized room. Split rent by square footage, features, and income — with a Fairness Score.
Move-In Costs
First month, last month, security deposit, broker fee — moving into a $1,500/mo apartment can cost $6,000+ upfront. See your real total before you sign.
Utility Split
Your roommate who works from home uses $30-60/mo more electricity than you. Split utilities by actual usage patterns, not a lazy 50/50.
Related Guide
Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Budget rules, the 50/30/20 method, and how DTI affects your housing options.