How this calculation works
The calculator compares remaining cash with your chosen housing share and takes the tighter limit. Utilities and recurring rental fees then reduce the base rent you can fit into that budget.
Rent ceiling = max(0, min(take-home pay − debt − living expenses − savings, pay × housing share) − utilities).A worked example
With 5,000 take-home income, the 35% housing cap is 1,750. The remaining cash is 1,900. After 200 of utilities, the lower housing cap leaves 1,550 for rent.
Good to know
Use consistent currency units and monthly amounts. Deposits, moving costs and landlord eligibility rules are separate.
How the inputs affect the result
Use an average that reflects irregular spending such as annual insurance, and keep rent-related charges out of the general expenses field. Variable income households can run a lower-income month as a separate case.
Try a month where cash remaining becomes the tighter constraint.
Where the calculation applies
Use consistent currency units and monthly amounts. Deposits, moving costs and landlord eligibility rules are separate.
For a related calculation, see the Annual and multi-year rent cost calculator.
A few questions, answered
What if there is no money left for rent?
The rent ceiling is zero. The cash available metric shows any shortfall before rent, so you can see which budget constraint binds.
What does the “Lower-income month” setting illustrate?
Try a month where cash remaining becomes the tighter constraint.