How much rent can I afford on $30,000 a year?
On $30,000 a year you can afford about $750 a month in rent using the 30%-of-gross rule — or about $657/month if you budget 30% of take-home. Adjust the ratio below.
📅 Updated for the 2026 tax year · built from primary IRS & state sources
Affordable rent
$750/mo
at 30% of $2,500 gross monthly income
The 30% rule is a guideline, not a limit. Many landlords require gross income ≥ 3× rent.
Rent budget on $30,000
The 30% rule is a guideline, not a limit; landlords often require gross income ≥ 3× rent. Take-home figure uses a no-income-tax state — adjust for yours.
2026 federal income tax brackets (single filer)
Federal tax is progressive — each rate applies only to income within its band, after the standard deduction.
| Rate | Taxable income (single) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 |
| 12% | $12,400 – $50,400 |
| 22% | $50,400 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,700 – $201,775 |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 |
| 37% | $640,600 and up |
- What is the 2026 standard deduction?
- $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household. It's subtracted before the brackets above apply.
- What about Social Security and Medicare (FICA)?
- Social Security is 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 (2026); Medicare is 1.45% on all wages, plus an extra 0.9% above $200,000. These are withheld separately from federal income tax.
Source: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 and IRS Publication 15-T (2026). See our methodology for full sources.
Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford on $30,000?
About $750 a month using the common 30%-of-gross-income rule. Budgeting from take-home instead, aim for around $657/month.
Is the 30% rule strict?
No — it's a guideline. People in high-cost areas often spend more; conservative budgets aim lower. Many landlords require gross income of at least 3× the monthly rent.
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