A common rule of thumb is that rent should sit around a quarter to a third of household take-home income — leaving room for transport, groceries and savings.

Budget for more than rent

• Deposit and first month's rent upfront
• Electricity / prepaid units and water
• Internet and insurance for household contents
• Moving costs and possible brokerage

Midlands price context

Rents vary widely between Howick Central cottages, Hilton apartments and larger Merrivale homes. Filter by max rent on rentals search and compare similar suburbs.