Engagement Ring Budget
Sensible ring budget given income, savings, and debts.
Recommended budget
$7,500
8.8% of annual income
Reference points
- Two-month rule (DeBeers, 1947): $14,167
- Three-month rule: $21,250
- Half of liquid savings (max safe): $7,500
- 2024 US average: $5,500–$6,500
- 2024 US median: $3,500
The "two months' salary" rule was invented by DeBeers in 1947 as marketing. Real US averages run $5,000 to $7,000. The right number is one you can pay cash for and not regret in 5 years. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 60-80% less than mined.
About
Combines the classic two-month-salary heuristic with a savings safety check (don't spend more than half your liquid savings). Flags when monthly debt is high enough that ring spending should wait.
How to use
- Enter income and savings.
- Enter monthly debt obligations.
FAQ
Is the two-months rule real?+
It was a 1947 DeBeers marketing campaign. Real US averages run $5,000-$7,000. Lab-grown diamonds cost 60-80% less than mined. The 'right' number is one you can pay cash for and not regret in 5 years.