---
title: "Rent to income ratio: renter glossary | Centro Studio Homes"
description: "Rent as a share of gross monthly income. Thirty percent is the common benchmark for housing costs; above it, HUD calls a household cost burdened. Defined for Austin renters by Centro Studio Homes."
url: https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/rent-to-income-ratio
publisher: Centro Studio Homes
phone: +17373178369
tour: https://centro.multisites.ai/scheduletour
---

# Rent to income ratio

Rent as a share of gross monthly income. Thirty percent is the common benchmark for housing costs; above it, HUD calls a household cost burdened.

The rent to income ratio is your monthly rent divided by your gross monthly income. A lower ratio leaves more money for other costs.

HUD defines “cost burden” as monthly housing costs (including utilities) exceeding 30% of monthly income. Many budgets use 30% as a ceiling.

## Worked example

Divide the rent by 0.30 to see the income that keeps you at 30%. These are math examples using Centro’s published price range as of 2026-11-02. Prices change daily; check current pricing.

Monthly rent

Income for a 30% ratio

$699

$2,330

$729

$2,430

$1,099

$3,663

$1,114

$3,713

## How it differs from the 3x rule

The [3x income rule](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/3x-income-rule) is a landlord screening test. The ratio is a budget check you run for yourself. A 3x rule equals a 33% ratio. Add fees and pet costs to rent for a true picture, using the [total monthly price](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/total-monthly-price).

Pets at Centro add $25 monthly rent per pet, for up to 2 pets, so include that if it applies.

See the full guide: [income needed to rent in Austin](https://centro.multisites.ai/guides/income-needed-to-rent-austin).

## Related terms

-   [3x income rule](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/3x-income-rule)
-   [Total monthly price](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/total-monthly-price)
-   [Rental application](https://centro.multisites.ai/glossary/rental-application)

[Read the full guide](https://centro.multisites.ai/guides/income-needed-to-rent-austin)

## Sources

-   [HUD USER: CHAS Background](https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/cp/CHAS/bg_chas.html)

## Come see your studio.

Tour in person or by live video. Book a time and we will show you the studios available now.

[Book a tour](https://centro.multisites.ai/scheduletour) [(737) 317-8369](tel:+17373178369)

Leasing office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM; Sunday, closed.