What is the 30% rule?

The 30% rule is the long-standing guideline that you should spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. Spending more is considered rent-burdened, which leaves little room for other essentials and savings.

What income do I need for the median San Diego rent?

San Diego's median 1-bedroom rent is about $2,250 a month. To keep that within 30% of gross income you need roughly $7,500 a month, or about $90,000 a year, before tax.

Is the 30% rule realistic in San Diego?

It is increasingly hard to meet in high-cost coastal cities, where many renters spend 35% to 45%. The tool flags those zones so you can decide whether the trade-off is acceptable for the location you want.

Should I use gross or net income?

The 30% rule is traditionally based on gross income before tax, and most landlords screen on gross. If you prefer a stricter budget, enter your take-home pay instead, which produces a lower, more conservative ceiling.

Does it include utilities?

No. The rule covers base rent only. Budget separately for utilities, internet, renters insurance, and parking, which in San Diego can add $250 or more a month on top of rent.

San Diego Rent Affordability Calculator

Before signing a San Diego lease, check that the rent fits your income. This calculator applies the classic 30%-of-gross-income rule, compares any target rent against San Diego’s $2,250 median 1-bedroom, and tells you whether the unit is comfortable, stretched, or unaffordable.

How it works

The 30% rule sets your affordable rent ceiling from gross income:

affordable_rent_ceiling = gross_monthly_income * 0.30
income_needed_for_rent   = target_rent / 0.30
rent_to_income_ratio     = target_rent / gross_monthly_income

A ratio at or below 30% is comfortable, 30% to 40% is stretched (rent-burdened), and above 40% is severely burdened. For the median rent of $2,250, the income needed is 2250 / 0.30 = $7,500 a month, about $90,000 a year.

Tips and notes

Most landlords also require gross income of roughly 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent to qualify, which lines up with the 30% rule. Remember the ceiling is base rent only — San Diego utilities, parking, and renters insurance can add $250 or more monthly, so leave headroom below your ceiling.