How much do you need to earn to rent in NYC?
Most New York City landlords look for an annual income of at least 40 times the monthly rent. A $3,000 apartment needs about $120,000 a year. If your income falls short, a guarantor usually needs 80 times the rent.
Work it out
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What each income can rent
At 40 times the rent, with the homes on Nessoo at or under each rent (October 2026).
| Yearly income | Rent up to | Homes on Nessoo |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,250 / mo | 0 |
| $75,000 | $1,875 / mo | 1 |
| $100,000 | $2,500 / mo | 6 |
| $125,000 | $3,125 / mo | 38 |
| $150,000 | $3,750 / mo | 89 |
| $200,000 | $5,000 / mo | 202 |
| $250,000 | $6,250 / mo | 302 |
| $300,000 | $7,500 / mo | 354 |
| $400,000 | $10,000 / mo | 402 |
By apartment size
The median rent of homes on Nessoo now, and the income most landlords look for at that rent.
| Size | Median rent | Your income (40×) | Guarantor (80×) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,600 / mo | $144,000 | $288,000 |
| 1 bedroom | $4,775 / mo | $191,000 | $382,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $5,995 / mo | $240,000 | $480,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $7,495 / mo | $300,000 | $600,000 |
Combining incomes and guarantors
Many landlords let everyone who will be on the lease count their incomes together. A guarantor is a person who signs to cover the rent if you can’t pay it; landlords usually look for 80 times the rent from them. Some landlords also accept a guarantor company instead of a person. Each landlord sets its own bar, so treat these as the usual figures, not a promise.
What it costs to move in
New York law limits what a landlord can ask for before you move in: the first month’s rent, a security deposit of no more than one month’s rent, and a background or credit check of no more than $20 (none if you bring one from the past 30 days). Application fees are not allowed, and since June 2025 a broker hired by the landlord can’t charge you. So a $3,000apartment costs at most $6,020 to move into. There is no broker fee on Nessoo listings.
Sources: NY General Obligations Law §7-108, NY Real Property Law §238-a, and NYC’s FARE Act.
Paying with a voucher?
Income rules work differently with rental assistance. See the CityFHEPS rent limits and the homes within them →