Rent to Income Calculator (3x Rule)
That dream apartment listing is useless if you don't clear the income requirement. Most landlords use the 3x monthly rule; NYC landlords use the stricter 40x annual rule ($2,500 rent = $100K salary). This calculator tells you instantly if you qualify, how much income you're short by, and whether combining incomes with a co-applicant gets you over the line.
Most landlords require your income to be at least 3 times the monthly rent to qualify for an apartment. Enter your income, desired rent, and any co-applicant incomes to instantly check if you pass both the 3x monthly rule and the stricter 40x annual rule. See your maximum qualifying rent, rent-to-income ratio, and exactly how much additional income you would need if you fall short.
Your primary monthly income before taxes
Side gigs, freelance, investments, etc.
The monthly rent for the apartment you want
Add co-applicants if applying together. Their income will be combined with yours.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3x rent rule?
The 3x rule means your gross monthly income should be at least 3 times the monthly rent. For $2,000/month rent, you need at least $6,000/month ($72,000/year) gross income. This is the most common landlord requirement in the US.
What is the 40x rent rule?
The 40x rule is the annual version: your annual salary should be at least 40 times the monthly rent. For $2,000/month rent, you need $80,000/year. Note: 40x is stricter than 3x (which equals 36x annually). NYC landlords commonly use the 40x rule.
Can I combine incomes to qualify?
Yes! Most landlords allow co-applicants (roommates, partners, guarantors) to combine incomes to meet the requirement. If rent is $3,000 and requires $9,000/month income, two people earning $5,000 each ($10,000 total) would qualify.
What if I don't meet the income requirement?
Options include: adding a co-signer/guarantor, paying several months rent upfront, offering a larger security deposit, showing substantial savings, or finding a cheaper apartment. Our calculator shows exactly how much income you're short by.
What income do I need for a $1,500/month apartment?
Using the 3x rule: $4,500/month gross ($54,000/year). Using the stricter 40x rule: $60,000/year. If you earn less, a co-applicant or guarantor can help you qualify. Two roommates earning $30,000 each in a $2,000 apartment clear the threshold easily.
Do landlords use gross or net income for the 3x rule?
Almost all landlords use gross (pre-tax) income. If your salary is $72,000 gross, that counts as $6,000/month even though your take-home is closer to $4,800. Self-employed applicants typically need to show 2 years of tax returns to prove income.
Does freelance or side hustle income count toward the 3x rule?
It depends on the landlord. Most require 2 years of tax returns or 1099s to verify self-employment income. Some accept bank statements showing consistent deposits. Side hustle income helps but may need documentation. Our calculator lets you include all income sources.
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Related Guide
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