Calculator
Frequently asked questions
Should I calculate affordability from gross or net income?
For rent decisions, net income (take-home pay) is usually more practical because it reflects what you can actually spend each month. Gross-income rules exist too, but they often hide how taxes and deductions change your real budget.
Is the “30% rule” still valid?
It’s a useful starting point, not a law. In high-cost areas, many households spend more than 30% of net income on rent. The trade-off is reduced savings and less resilience to surprise costs (repairs, bills, interest rate changes, job changes).
What does “aggressive” mean here?
“Aggressive” means you’re choosing housing that takes a larger share of your net income. This can be reasonable in major cities or during housing shortages, but it increases risk: fewer buffers, less ability to save, and tighter cash flow if bills rise.
Should rent include bills in the calculation?
Ideally, yes: the real question is “housing costs”, not just rent. If bills aren’t included (utilities, council tax, internet), use a lower tier or subtract typical bills from your net income before calculating.
What if I have debt, dependents or high commuting costs?
Use the conservative tier (or lower). Fixed commitments like debt repayments, childcare and commuting reduce the budget available for housing. A safe approach is to treat those as “bills” and avoid stretching your rent.
Will you add country-specific versions (UK/IE/US)?
Possibly. The logic is general, but guidance can vary by local costs, rent payment norms, and typical bill structures. This page is intentionally simple to keep assumptions clear.