Section 8 & Rent Affordability Calculator
Estimate your Section 8 income eligibility and how much rent you can afford, using official HUD income limits and Fair Market Rents.
Spending more than 30% of gross income on rent is considered "cost-burdened."
Want to check Section 8 eligibility for a specific area?
The affordable-rent estimate above works anywhere. To compare your income against local HUD income limits, pick your metro area:
How this calculator works
The affordable rent figure applies the standard federal guideline that housing should cost no more than 30% of gross income. Section 8 eligibility compares your gross annual household income to HUD's published income limits for your area and household size. Most applicants must be at or below the 50% AMI (Very Low Income) limit to qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher, and at least 75% of new vouchers must go to households at or below 30% AMI. Final eligibility is determined by your local Public Housing Authority and may include deductions and additional criteria.