How much house can you afford?
Affordability isn't just the price tag — it's whether the monthly payment fits your income alongside your other debts. Lenders judge this with the 28/36 rule: your housing payment should stay under 28% of gross monthly income, and all your debt payments (housing + car + loans + cards) under 36%. This calculator finds the home price that keeps both within those limits, then works backwards through your down payment and mortgage rate.
How much house can you afford by salary?
Maximum home price by annual income using the 28% rule (housing costs no more than 28% of gross monthly income), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5%, property tax and insurance of 1.5% of the home's value a year, and no other monthly debts. Existing car or card payments lower these numbers — enter yours above for a personal figure.
| Annual income | Max housing / month | With $20k down | With $50k down |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $933 | $139,980 | $165,027 |
| $50,000 | $1,167 | $170,801 | $195,848 |
| $60,000 | $1,400 | $201,622 | $226,668 |
| $70,000 | $1,633 | $232,442 | $257,489 |
| $80,000 | $1,867 | $263,263 | $288,310 |
| $90,000 | $2,100 | $294,084 | $319,130 |
| $100,000 | $2,333 | $324,904 | $349,951 |
| $120,000 | $2,800 | $386,546 | $411,592 |
| $150,000 | $3,500 | $479,008 | $504,054 |
| $200,000 | $4,667 | $633,111 | $658,158 |
Mortgage rates move often. At a higher rate every figure falls — the rate table further up shows by how much for your own numbers.
What's included in the payment
The monthly housing cost here covers loan principal & interest plus property tax and insurance (often called PITI). It doesn't include utilities, maintenance or HOA fees, so leave yourself a buffer.
Comfortable vs stretch
The main figure uses the conservative 28/36 rule. The stretch budget uses a 43% back-end DTI — the upper limit many lenders allow. Just because you can borrow more doesn't mean you should; a smaller payment leaves room for saving, emergencies and life.
How much house can I afford on $80,000 a year?
About $263,263 with $20,000 down, assuming no other debts, a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% and 1.5% a year for tax and insurance. That keeps housing at $1,867 a month — 28% of your gross pay.
How much house can I afford on a $100,000 salary?
Roughly $324,904 with a $20,000 down payment and no other debts, at 6.5% over 30 years. Your housing budget under the 28% rule is $2,333 a month.
How much house can I afford with a $50,000 income?
About $170,801 with $20,000 down and no other debts. A larger down payment, lower rate or paying off other loans all raise the figure.
What is the 28/36 rule?
Lenders' rule of thumb: spend no more than 28% of gross monthly income on housing (mortgage, tax, insurance), and no more than 36% on all debts combined. The calculator uses whichever limit is tighter for you.
Does a bigger down payment help?
Yes — it directly adds to the price you can afford (price = loan + down payment) and can lower your rate and remove mortgage insurance. Try raising it and watch the number climb.
Why do my debts lower the number so much?
Existing debt eats into the 36% cap, leaving less room for housing. Paying off a car loan or card can noticeably raise how much home you can afford.
Is this what a bank will actually lend?
It's a solid estimate using standard ratios. Lenders also weigh your credit score, employment and the specific loan program, so get a pre-approval for the real figure.