One popular rule of thumb is the 30% rule, which says to spend around 30% of your gross income on rent. So if you earn $2,800 per month before taxes, you should spend about $840 per month on rent.

How much should I spend on rent?

When determining how much you should spend on rent, consider your monthly income and expenses. You should spend 30% of your monthly income on rent at maximum, and should consider all the factors involved in your budget, including additional rental costs like renter's insurance or your initial security deposit.

Is the 30% rule outdated?

This rule, which says you shouldn't spend more than 30 percent of your gross income on rent, comes from a 1969 amendment to public housing requirements known as the Brooke Amendment. The 30 percent rule was great at the time, but it's outdated for today's living expenses.