Using the Rent Calculator
Start with a percentage that fits your whole budget rather than assuming one ratio works for everyone. Debt payments, transport, childcare and irregular income can all affect what remains for rent.
Worked example
Use the example inputs below to reproduce this result. These are the form's starting values, not recommended targets. Changing your inputs updates your result above; this worked example stays fixed for comparison. Results are rounded for display.
Example inputs
- Gross monthly income
- 5000
- Rent budget (%)
- 30
- Monthly utilities
- 200
Example result
- Rent budget after utilities
- 1,300
Method and assumptions
Gross monthly income × selected budget percentage − utilities. The percentage is a planning assumption.
Use a consistent budget period
Convert income and expenses to the same period before comparing them. A weekly expense is not simply a monthly expense divided by four across a full year. Keep gross and take-home income clearly labeled, and reserve space for irregular costs. The result reflects the entered budget rather than every commitment a household may have.
Common question
What if utilities are included in the rent?
Set the separate utility allowance to zero if the quoted rent includes everything you intend to count. Otherwise enter only the utilities you will pay in addition.
Guide updated .