Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford in Australia using the 30% rule.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Determine if your rent is within a reasonable budget
Your Financial Information
Affordability Analysis
Your Rent Percentage
32.5%
Recommended Rent (30% Rule)
Weekly
$461.54
Monthly
$2,000.00
鈿狅笍 Your rent is reasonable but high.
The 30% Rule
Financial experts recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. This calculator helps you determine if your current or prospective rent is within a healthy budget range for sustainable living.
How rental affordability is calculated
Divide your annual rent by your gross annual income. If the result is 30% or less, the rent is considered affordable by the standard guideline. Over 30% is classed as housing stress, and over 50% as severe stress.
Maximum weekly rent at 30% equals gross annual income x 0.30 / 52. For a $100,000 income that is about $577 a week.
Income needed for common rents (30% rule)
- $400 per week needs about $69,300 a year
- $500 per week needs about $86,700 a year
- $600 per week needs $104,000 a year
- $700 per week needs about $121,300 a year
Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford on my income?
A common guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross (before-tax) income on rent. On $80,000 a year that is $24,000 a year, or about $461 a week.
What is the 30% rent rule?
The 30% rule says housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. Housing affordability measures in Australia treat households spending more than 30% as under housing stress.
Is the 30% rule realistic in Sydney and Melbourne?
In high-rent cities many renters spend more than 30%. The rule is a benchmark, not a limit. Consider your debts, savings goals and whether you share the rent before deciding what you can sustain.
Should I use gross or net income?
The traditional rule uses gross income. If you prefer a more conservative budget, calculate on take-home pay and aim for 35 to 40% of net income at most.
How much income do I need to rent a $600 a week property?
At 30%, $600 a week ($31,200 a year) requires a gross income of $104,000 a year, or $2,000 a week. Two housemates can split that between them.
Related guides
More rent calculators
- Weekly to Monthly Rent Calculator - Convert weekly, fortnightly, monthly and yearly rent
- Split Rent Calculator - Divide rent fairly between housemates