How much rent can I afford in Germany?
An income that looks too tight for the flat is one of the most common reasons for rejection. This calculator shows, in seconds, the cold rent that's realistically affordable on your income – using the well-known one-third rule that many German landlords calculate with too.
Your rent calculator
Net = what actually lands in your account. For a joint application, add both incomes together.
Enter your net income above. As a rule of thumb, the cold rent shouldn't exceed about a third of your net income – and remember the utilities (Nebenkosten) are added on top of the cold rent.
Rent fits? Here's what you need to apply
So the landlord can see the rent is safely covered:
- Proof of income: your last three payslips or your employment contract.
- A completed self-disclosure (Mieterselbstauskunft): see rental documents.
- Creditworthiness: a SCHUFA report – no record yet as a newcomer? See here.
- If income is tight: a guarantor or – as a couple – combine both incomes.
Rent fits? Now apply fast and personally
Once you've found an affordable flat, speed decides. WohnungsBewerber reads the listing, writes your personal German application letter and pre-fills the contact form – so you're among the first without sounding generic. You review and send it yourself. Free, data stays local.
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Frequently asked questions
How much rent can I afford on my income?
As a rule of thumb, the cold rent shouldn't exceed about a third of your net income – some calculate more cautiously at around 30%. On €2,400 net that's roughly €720 to €800 cold rent. It's guidance, not a legal limit.
Do landlords calculate with cold or warm rent?
Often with the cold rent, because utilities vary. But the Nebenkosten and heating are added on top – plan your warm rent realistically so the flat works in daily life, not just on paper.
What if my income is tight for the flat I want?
Make up for it with a guarantor, by combining both incomes as a couple or family, or with a permanent contract and bank statements as proof. That makes the rent look safely covered even when it's tight.
Does combined income count for couples?
Yes. If you apply together, add both net incomes and compare them to the shared cold rent. Two incomes look especially safe to a landlord because the risk drops if one falls away.