What is the 30%-of-income rule?

It is the long-standing guideline that you should spend no more than 30% of your gross income on housing. Above that, a household is considered 'rent-burdened' and has less room for savings, debt and emergencies.

How does this compare to Columbus's median rent?

Columbus's median 1-BR rent is about $1,150. The tool shows your 30% ceiling next to that median so you can see whether the typical Columbus apartment fits your budget or stretches it.

Should I use gross or net income?

The classic rule uses gross (pre-tax) income, and that is the default here. If you prefer a stricter test, enter your take-home pay instead — your affordable rent will come out lower and more conservative.

Does it account for utilities and other costs?

The 30% rule covers rent itself. Utilities, renters' insurance and parking are extra. If your lease bundles utilities, treat the all-in figure as the rent when testing it against the ceiling.

Is my income data saved?

No. Everything is calculated locally in your browser and no figures are sent anywhere.

Columbus Rent Affordability Calculator

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Can you afford that Columbus apartment? The standard answer is the 30%-of-income rule: spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. This free calculator applies that rule to your income, compares it to Columbus’s median 1-BR rent of about $1,150, and shows whether a specific rent fits.

How it works

The affordable-rent ceiling and the rent-to-income ratio are simple:

monthly income = annual income ÷ 12   (if you entered annual)
max rent       = monthly income × 0.30
ratio          = target rent ÷ monthly income

A ratio at or below 30% is comfortable, 30–40% is stretched, and above 40% is severely rent-burdened. The tool flags which band your target rent falls into and compares your ceiling to the Columbus median.

Example

A $60,000 gross salary:

Monthly income: $5,000
Max rent (30%): $1,500
Against the $1,150 Columbus median, that leaves comfortable headroom — the median apartment costs about 23% of income at this salary.

Notes

The 30% rule is a guideline, not a law. In a cheaper market like Columbus many renters land well under it, freeing money for savings. If you carry high debt or want an aggressive savings rate, aim lower — 25% of gross is a stricter, safer target.