Quick Answer
A common rule is the 28/36 guideline: keep housing under 28% of gross monthly income and total debt under 36%. On a $75,000 salary (~$6,250/month), that's about $1,750 for housing — roughly a $270,000 home with 20% down at current rates. Rough income-to-price at 20% down and ~6.5%: $50k income ≈ $175k home, $100k ≈ $370k, $150k ≈ $565k. Your down payment, rate, and other debts move the number a lot.
"How much house can I afford?" has two answers: what a lender will approve, and what you can comfortably live with. Here's how to figure both, using the rule lenders actually apply.
The 28/36 rule
28% — housing
Your total housing payment (PITI) should stay under 28% of your gross monthly income.
36% — total debt
All debt — mortgage plus car, student loans, and credit cards — should stay under 36%.
How much home by income
Estimated affordable home price, assuming 20% down, a ~6.5% 30-year rate, ~1.1% property tax, and no other major debts.
| Annual income | Max housing/mo (28%) | Affordable home |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,167 | ~$175,000 |
| $75,000 | $1,750 | ~$270,000 |
| $100,000 | $2,333 | ~$370,000 |
| $125,000 | $2,917 | ~$467,000 |
| $150,000 | $3,500 | ~$565,000 |
Estimates only — your rate, down payment, taxes, and debts change the result. Run your exact numbers →
Qualifying vs. comfortably affording
Lenders qualify you on gross income, but you pay the mortgage from your take-home pay. Many buyers aim below their maximum to keep room for savings and emergencies.
Run the numbers
Estimate your payment with the mortgage calculator, check your ratios with the debt-to-income calculator, and see your real take-home first with the take-home pay calculator. See also how much down payment you need.