Mortgage Affordability Calculator — How Much House Can You Afford?
Enter your income, monthly debts, and down payment. We'll apply the 28/36 rule to show you your maximum home price and a comfortable recommended budget.
What you'll need
- Annual gross (pre-tax) household income
- Existing monthly debt payments (car, student loans, credit cards)
- Down payment savings
- Expected loan term and interest rate
The 28/36 Rule Explained
Lenders use the 28/36 rule to assess whether you can afford a mortgage. It sets two limits:
28%
Front-end ratio
Your monthly housing costs (P+I, taxes, insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
36%
Back-end ratio
All monthly debt payments combined (mortgage + car + student loans + credit cards) should stay under 36% of gross income.
How it works
Enter your income
Provide your gross annual household income — pre-tax.
Add your debts
Include monthly minimums for car payments, student loans, and credit cards.
Get your max home price
See the maximum home price lenders will approve using standard DTI limits.
Affordability by Income (28/36 Rule)
| Annual Income | Max Monthly Payment | Max Home Price (7%) |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $1,400 | $210,000 |
| $80,000 | $1,867 | $280,000 |
| $100,000 | $2,333 | $349,000 |
| $150,000 | $3,500 | $523,000 |
Assumes 20% down, 7% rate, 30-year term, 28% front-end DTI limit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 28/36 rule for mortgages?
The 28/36 rule says your housing costs (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and your total monthly debt payments should not exceed 36% of gross monthly income. Lenders use this to assess whether you can comfortably afford a mortgage.
How much house can I afford on a $100,000 salary?
On a $100,000 salary with no existing debts, a 20% down payment, 30-year term, and a 6.75% interest rate, you can typically afford a home in the $350,000–$380,000 range using the 28% front-end ratio guideline. Your actual number depends on your debts, credit score, and interest rate.
What is a front-end debt-to-income ratio?
The front-end DTI ratio compares your monthly housing costs (mortgage payment, taxes, insurance) to your gross monthly income. A front-end ratio under 28% is generally considered healthy by most lenders.
What debts should I include in the affordability calculator?
Include recurring monthly debt obligations: car loans, student loans, credit card minimum payments, personal loans, and any other installment debt. Do not include utilities, groceries, subscriptions, or everyday living expenses.
State guides
How this varies by state
Property taxes, insurance costs, first-time buyer programs, and closing costs differ significantly across states. See local data for your state.
California
Texas
Florida
New York
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Georgia
North Carolina
Michigan
New Jersey
Virginia
Washington
Arizona
Colorado
Tennessee
Authoritative resources
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