06/03/2026
How much house can you afford?! 👇
A good starting point is the 32% rule — meaning around 32% of your gross income goes toward your housing payment.
Using 10% down, 6.3% interest, and estimated taxes/insurance, here’s an example of what that could look like:
$300K home → ~$85K income
$400K home → ~$113K income
$500K home → ~$142K income
$600K home → ~$170K income
$700K home → ~$198K income
$800K home → ~$227K income
But here’s the interesting part... you can often technically qualify for more. Lenders may approve closer to 50% of your gross income (minus debts):
$300K home → ~$54K income
$400K home → ~$72K income
$500K home → ~$91K income
$600K home → ~$109K income
$700K home → ~$127K income
$800K home → ~$145K income
The goal isn’t to max out your approval. The goal is finding a monthly payment that still lets you live your life comfortably. Because the right number isn’t my comfort level… it’s yours.
Disclaimer: Examples above are estimates only. Actual affordability can vary based on taxes, insurance, HOA dues, interest rate, location, loan program, and existing monthly debt.