What is Debt Burden Ratio (DBR)?
April 1, 2026
What is Debt Burden Ratio?
Debt Burden Ratio (DBR) is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt repayments. It includes all monthly obligations: mortgage installments, personal loans, credit cards, and auto finance.
How is it calculated?
DBR = (Total Monthly Debt Payments ÷ Gross Monthly Salary) × 100
Example: If your salary is SAR 15,000 and your monthly payments are SAR 5,000, your DBR = 33.3%
SAMA Ceiling
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) sets a maximum DBR of 65% of gross monthly income. This means the sum of all your monthly installments cannot exceed 65% of your income.
Risk Levels
- Below 40% — Affordable: You have a healthy safety buffer
- 40% - 55% — Stretch: Banks will approve but it's tight
- Above 55% — High Risk: Approaching the SAMA 65% ceiling