Rent on a $75K salary
A $75K salary has an estimated federal-only monthly take-home of $5,133. Using 30% of net pay, rent should be around $1,540 per month before utilities.
| Rent rule | Monthly rent | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 25% of net pay | $1,283 | High savings, debt payoff, expensive utilities |
| 30% of net pay | $1,540 | Balanced budget |
| 35% of net pay | $1,796 | Temporary stretch or high-cost city |
Use net income, not gross income
Gross-income rent rules can overstate affordability because taxes and deductions never reach your checking account. Net-pay rent planning is stricter and usually safer.