Rent Increase Calculator
A 10% rent hike on a $2,000 apartment costs you $2,400 extra per year. Before you accept it, check if it's legal (rent-controlled areas cap increases at 3-10%), how it compares to inflation, and whether moving is actually cheaper. This calculator gives you the numbers and specific negotiation scripts.
Got a rent increase notice? Find out if your increase is fair by comparing it to inflation, local rent control limits, and market averages. Enter your current rent, proposed new rent, state, and years at your address to get a complete analysis with the exact dollar impact per year, a legality check for rent-controlled areas, and data-backed negotiation talking points you can use with your landlord.
Rent Details
Location & Rent Control
Not sure? Check your lease or contact your local housing authority.
Tenant Details
How many people share the unit (besides you)
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
How much can a landlord legally raise rent?
It depends on your state and city. In rent-controlled areas (NYC, SF, LA), increases are capped at 3-10% per year. In uncontrolled areas, there's often no legal limit. Our calculator checks rent control rules for your state and tells you if your increase is within legal limits.
What is a normal rent increase percentage?
The national average rent increase is 3-5% per year. Anything above inflation (currently ~3%) means your landlord is increasing real cost. Our calculator compares your increase to both the national average and current inflation rate.
How do I negotiate a rent increase?
Use data: compare your increase to market rates, inflation, and comparable units. Mention your history as a good tenant, offer to sign a longer lease for a smaller increase, and point out any maintenance issues. Our calculator generates specific negotiation points for your situation.
Should I accept a rent increase or move?
Calculate the total cost of moving (first/last month, deposit, movers, time off work) vs. the annual impact of the increase. If a $200/month increase costs $2,400/year but moving costs $5,000+, staying may be cheaper. Our calculator helps you compare.
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 a $4,500/mo take-home, the 50/30/20 rule gives you $2,250 for needs, $1,350 for wants, and $900 for savings. See your exact breakdown — adjusted for rent.
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.
Inflation
$100 in 1990 buys what $240 buys today. Track how inflation erodes your purchasing power using real US CPI data from 1913 to 2026.
Cost of Living
A $75K salary in Austin has the same buying power as $118K in San Francisco. Compare cities and find the salary you need to break even.
Betrayal Score
Paying $1,200/mo for the small room while your roommate pays $1,200 for the master suite with an en-suite bathroom? Get your Betrayal Score and the receipts.
Chore Split
Scrubbing toilets and wiping counters aren't equal chores. Divide household tasks by effort, time, and gross factor — weighted by each person's available hours.
Freeloading Index
Your roommate pays half the rent but does zero chores. Score the imbalance from 0 (equal) to 100 (total freeloader) — with receipts.
Related Guide
How to Split Rent Fairly: The Complete Guide
How rent increases should be split between roommates, and when to renegotiate shares.