Rent Affordability Calculator
Estimate affordable rent from your income.
Input Data
Results
At a glance:Affordable rent is a chosen percentage of monthly income, often the 30% rule of thumb.
Formula
result = income × ratio%
How to Use
- Enter the monthly income.
- Enter the suggested ratio.
- Read the affordable rent and the note.
FAQ
What is the 30% rule, and should I always follow it?
The 30% rule says rent should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income — about 40 times the monthly rent in annual income. It is a common reference, not a law. In Hong Kong rents are high and many tenants pay 40%–50%, so treat 30% as an upper guide and set your own ratio against your other expenses, savings and lifestyle.
Should I use gross or net income?
This calculator uses pre-tax (gross) income, matching the conventional 30% benchmark. If you prefer a stricter budget, enter your take-home pay and a higher ratio — the principle is the same: cap rent at a share you can still sustain after saving and other costs.
What else should I budget beyond rent?
Add management fees, government rates, utilities, internet, home insurance, transport and moving costs. Leases in Hong Kong typically require a deposit of about two months' rent plus the first month's rent, and there is also tenancy stamp duty. Build a full budget before fixing your rent ceiling.
How does this differ from the Rent Calculator?
The Rent Calculator checks a target rent's rent-to-income ratio and the income needed to afford it. This tool works the other way: from your income and a chosen ratio it gives the affordable rent cap. Use them together for a complete picture.
Is the result a legal limit or a recommendation?
Neither. It is a personal-finance guideline based on the international 30% rule. Market rents in Hong Kong have no general statutory cap (only subdivided units are subject to the 2022 regulatory regime). Use the figure as a planning reference, not a binding standard.
Content review: Calculatorism Science Team. Results are for reference only; please refer to the relevant authorities for the official figures.