Rent Affordability Check
Check with the 30 % rule whether your warm rent fits your net income, using average operating-cost figures as guidance. Runs in your browser, GDPR-compliant.
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Legal notice
Current as of: 11.08.2026.
The results reflect the legal and fiscal state as of the date stated above. They are provided for general information and initial guidance only. They are not individual financial, tax or legal advice, and no guarantee is given as to their accuracy, completeness or suitability for your circumstances. In particular, the results are not a substitute for an official or judicial assessment. Please check the information independently and seek qualified advice where appropriate, as you are solely responsible for any decision made in reliance on the result.
How to use this tool (video)
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Rent affordability check: is the rent still affordable?
The rent affordability check uses the well-known 30 % rule to see whether your warm rent is manageable relative to your net income. It is the ideal orientation for your first flat or any home move.
What does the 30 % rule say?
As a rule of thumb, your warm rent (cold rent plus utilities) should not exceed roughly 30 % of net income. A range of 25 to 35 % is common. Above 35 % the burden is generally considered critical, since little room remains for living costs, savings and leisure.
Assessing your rent burden
- Up to 30 %: considered a manageable, typical burden.
- 30–35 %: elevated burden, doable but with little buffer.
- Above 35 %: critical, little room for living and saving.
Utilities (the "second rent")
Operating costs average around 2.67 euros per square metre per month in Germany (Deutscher Mieterbund, Betriebskostenspiegel, billing year 2024). Regionally the value lies between about 2.28 and 3.68 euros per square metre. If you enter your floor area, the calculator estimates your cold rent from the operating costs. As orientation it also shows the recommended 30 % ceiling for your warm rent and how much buffer you have left.
This is a guideline
The 30 % rule is a rule of thumb, not a legal requirement. In tense big-city markets the burden is often above 30 %. The calculator does not replace individual financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
Should rent be 30 % of gross or net?
The rule of thumb refers to net income (after tax and social contributions). A range of 25–35 % of net earnings for the warm rent is common.
Does the 30 % rule use cold or warm rent?
For a realistic assessment the warm rent (cold rent plus utilities) is usually used, since it reflects your actual monthly burden.
What if rents in my city exceed 30 %?
This is common in tense markets. Then reduce other expenses, or consider a shared flat or a smaller home. The rule is a guideline, not a law.
Are my details stored?
No. All calculations run 100 % locally in your browser. Your inputs are neither sent to a server nor stored.