Home Affordability Calculator
Find out exactly how much house you can afford based on your income and debt.
How Much House Can I Afford?
Buying a home is the largest financial commitment most people ever make. To determine your "buying power," lenders typically look at your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio. This calculator uses the standard 36% DTI rule, which suggests that your total debt payments (including your new mortgage) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.
The 28/36 Rule Explained
Financial experts often point to the 28/36 rule as a benchmark for affordability:
- 28%: Your mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance (PITI) should ideally be no more than 28% of your gross monthly income.
- 36%: Your total debt obligations (mortgage plus car loans, student loans, and credit cards) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.
Factors That Impact Your Affordability
| Factor | Impact on Buying Power |
|---|---|
| Interest Rate | Higher rates lower your buying power because more of your payment goes to interest. |
| Down Payment | A larger down payment directly increases the price of the home you can purchase. |
| Property Taxes | High-tax areas reduce the amount of money available for the actual mortgage principal. |
| Existing Debt | Large monthly debt payments significantly reduce the mortgage size a lender will approve. |
Realistic Scenario Example
If you earn $100,000 per year ($8,333/month) and have $500 in monthly debt, a bank using the 36% rule would allow a total monthly debt of $3,000. Subtracting your current $500 debt leaves $2,500 available for your mortgage, taxes, and insurance. At a 7% interest rate, this could translate to a home price of approximately $350,000 to $400,000 depending on your down payment.