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Renting · New York City

How much rent can I afford?

Check your rent against the 40× income rule NYC landlords use, and the guarantor 80× rule.

Updated October 12, 2026 · fact-checked against official sources

You don’t pass the 40× rule yet
$2,125/mo
Highest rent most NYC landlords will approve on your income.
Rent as share of income34%
Line marks the 30% guideline.
Income needed for this rent (40×)$96,000
Guarantor income needed (80×)$192,000
30% budget rule, after debts$2,125/mo
Yearly rent$28,800

Common questions

What is the 40x rent rule?

Most NYC landlords and management companies want your yearly gross income to be at least 40 times the monthly rent. For a $2,500 apartment that means earning at least $100,000 a year.

What if I don’t meet 40x?

Landlords usually accept a guarantor who earns 80 times the monthly rent, combined incomes of roommates, or a few months of rent paid upfront. Institutional guarantor companies are another option for a fee.

Is the 30% rule different?

Yes. The 30% rule is a budgeting guideline: keep housing at or below 30% of gross income. In practice it gives almost the same answer as 40x (1/40 of annual income ≈ 30% of monthly income).

Fact-checked October 12, 2026

Initial version; re-verified in the October 2026 fact-check pass.

Sources

  1. The 40x rent rule explained · StreetEasy (accessed October 12, 2026)

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; confirm with the agency or a professional before you act.