How Much House Can I Afford?
Simple calculator - just enter your income and get your answer
Quick & Easy - Only 3 Steps!
Step 1: Enter your yearly income
Step 2: Enter your monthly bills
Step 3: Click Calculate
Advanced Calculator
Get more precise results with detailed inputs for taxes, insurance, and loan terms.
Your estimated monthly payment:
This includes mortgage, taxes, and insurance
Simple Tips to Afford More House:
- Pay off credit card debt first
- Save more money for down payment
- Improve your credit score
- Consider a less expensive area
- Look for first-time buyer programs
How This Calculator Works
We use the safe "28% rule" - your house payment should not be more than 28% of your monthly income. We also make sure your total debt payments (including the house) don't exceed 36% of your income.
Important Note
This is an estimate to help you get started. Banks may approve you for more or less depending on your credit score, job history, and other factors. Always talk to a real estate agent or bank before making decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Affordability
Generally, you can afford a home that costs 2.5 to 3 times your annual salary. However, this depends on your debt, down payment, credit score, and current interest rates. Use our calculator above to get a personalized estimate based on your specific financial situation.
The 28/36 rule states that you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance) and no more than 36% on total debt payments (including credit cards, car loans, and housing). This conservative approach helps ensure you can comfortably afford your mortgage payments.
While 20% is ideal to avoid PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance), many programs allow as little as 3-5% down. First-time buyers can often qualify for programs with even lower down payment requirements. A larger down payment reduces your monthly payments and total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Most conventional loans require a credit score of at least 620, while FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. Higher credit scores (740+) typically qualify for the best interest rates, which can save thousands over the life of your loan.
Beyond the mortgage payment, budget for property taxes, homeowners insurance, PMI (if applicable), HOA fees, utilities, maintenance, and repairs. Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the home price. It's wise to have 3-6 months of expenses saved as an emergency fund after purchasing.
Yes! Pre-approval shows sellers you're a serious buyer and gives you a clear budget. It involves a lender reviewing your finances and providing a conditional commitment for a specific loan amount. This process typically takes 1-3 days and makes your offers more competitive.
Interest rates significantly impact affordability. A 1% increase in rates can reduce your buying power by about 10%. For example, on a $300,000 loan, a rate increase from 6% to 7% adds about $175 to your monthly payment. Monitor rates and consider locking in when you find a favorable rate.
Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on self-reported information, while pre-approval involves document verification and a credit check. Pre-approval carries more weight with sellers and gives you a more accurate picture of what you can afford. Always get pre-approved before making offers.