You don't need a perfect budget — you need to know whether your numbers are in a healthy range. Here are the common benchmarks, and where your spending lands compared to them.
| Category | Common range |
|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | 25–35% of gross |
| Food (groceries + dining) | 10–20% |
| Transport | 10–15% |
| Insurance | 5–10% |
| Debt payments (beyond min.) | 5–10% |
| Savings | 10–20% |
Add up the 'needs' categories (housing, food essentials, transport, insurance, minimums): a healthy total is around 50% of take-home. If housing alone is 45%, something else has to give — usually wants.
Enter your take-home pay and actual spending in the 50/30/20 calculator — it flags over/under for each bucket instantly, which is more useful than a generic benchmark.
Enter your take-home pay — get your 50/30/20 targets instantly, free.
Open the Budget CalculatorGet the Excel Budget Planner ($9.99)Ranges are guides, not verdicts. High-cost housing with low debt may be fine; low housing with high spending may not be. The 50/30/20 check catches the mismatch.
Net (take-home) is more honest for budgeting; gross is more common in lender ratios. Be consistent within any single comparison.
This page provides general financial education. It is not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.