How much house can I afford?

Quick answer

Most lenders want your total housing payment at or below about 28% of gross monthly income and all debts at or below 36%–43%. Enter your income, monthly debts, down payment, rate and term below to estimate the maximum home price you can comfortably afford, the resulting monthly payment and your debt-to-income ratio.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated October 1, 2026

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Annual household income (before taxes)

Monthly debt payments

Car, student loan, minimum card payments, child supportDown payment

Interest rate

Loan termProperty tax rate

%/yr

Home insurance

$/yr

Comfort level

You can afford a home up to

$267,000

Estimated payment $2,097/mo

Principal & interest: $1,606
Property taxes: $223
Homeowners insurance: $150
PMI: $119
Loan amount: $237,000
Debt-to-income ratio: 33.3%

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How is affordability calculated?

We find the highest price where your full monthly housing payment stays within both limits: the front-end ratio (housing ÷ income) and the back-end ratio (housing + other debts ÷ income). The lower of the two caps your budget.

What DTI do lenders allow?

Loan type	Typical max DTI
Conventional	45% (up to 50% with strong factors)
FHA	43%–50%+ with compensating factors
VA	41% guideline, residual income also counts
USDA	29% housing / 41% total

Frequently asked questions

It suggests spending no more than 28% of gross monthly income on housing and 36% on all debt payments combined.

Yes. This calculator includes property taxes, homeowners insurance and PMI when you put down less than 20%.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.

How much house can I afford?