What this tool does
This comparison shows the share of gross income that a typical apartment would take in each of the 11 cities and the income needed to keep it at 30%.
How to use it
- Enter gross income.
- Choose one or two bedrooms.
- Read the ranking.
How it works
Share = typical yearly rent ÷ gross income. Typical rents are Rate and Reason starting estimates, not official statistics, and neighborhoods vary widely.
Worked example
Using the default inputs:
| City | Typical rent (est.) | Share of income | Income for 30% rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $1,300 | 18.4% | $52,000 |
| Dallas | $1,450 | 20.5% | $58,000 |
| Atlanta | $1,650 | 23.3% | $66,000 |
| Chicago | $2,100 | 29.6% | $84,000 |
| Seattle | $2,200 | 31.1% | $88,000 |
| Los Angeles | $2,400 | 33.9% | $96,000 |
| Washington DC | $2,450 | 34.6% | $98,000 |
| Miami | $2,500 | 35.3% | $100,000 |
| Boston | $3,100 | 43.8% | $124,000 |
| San Francisco | $3,300 | 46.6% | $132,000 |
| New York City | $4,000 | 56.5% | $160,000 |
Cities where a typical one-bedroom stays under 30% of $85,000: 4 of 11. Lowest share: Houston (18.4%) · highest: New York City (56.5%).
The share is yearly rent divided by gross income. Rent differences between these cities are large, so the same salary can be comfortable in one city and stretched in another. The last column shows the income that would keep that typical rent at 30% of gross pay.
What the ranking shows
San Francisco, New York and Boston usually top the list, while Houston and Dallas stay far lower. Many renters in expensive cities spend well above 30% of income, which HUD defines as cost-burdened.
Income needed for the 30% rule in each city
This table answers the question the other way around: what gross income keeps a typical rent at 30% of pay? It uses the same Rate and Reason rent estimates as the tool above for a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom unit.
| City | Typical 1BR rent | Income for 1BR at 30% | Typical 2BR rent | Income for 2BR at 30% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $4,000 | $160,000 | $5,200 | $208,000 |
| San Francisco | $3,300 | $132,000 | $4,600 | $184,000 |
| Los Angeles | $2,400 | $96,000 | $3,300 | $132,000 |
| Houston | $1,300 | $52,000 | $1,700 | $68,000 |
| Dallas | $1,450 | $58,000 | $1,950 | $78,000 |
| Chicago | $2,100 | $84,000 | $2,800 | $112,000 |
| Miami | $2,500 | $100,000 | $3,300 | $132,000 |
| Atlanta | $1,650 | $66,000 | $2,150 | $86,000 |
| Boston | $3,100 | $124,000 | $3,900 | $156,000 |
| Seattle | $2,200 | $88,000 | $3,000 | $120,000 |
| Washington DC | $2,450 | $98,000 | $3,300 | $132,000 |
The 30% rule is a guideline, not a law. Landlords in New York City often use a different test, asking for yearly income of 40 times the monthly rent, which works out to 30% of pay. Other cities commonly use about three times the monthly rent in monthly income, the same idea expressed per month.
Tips
- Use each city's Rent Affordability Calculator for a detailed check with landlord income tests.
- Compare take-home pay too with the Take-Home Pay Comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What does cost-burdened mean?
HUD considers a household cost-burdened when housing costs exceed 30% of income.
Where do the rents come from?
They are Rate and Reason starting estimates for typical units, not official figures.
Which city is most affordable for renters?
Among these 11, usually Houston.
Sources
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, real estate, or insurance advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.