06/23/2026
Whether you’re getting ready to start house hunting or simply exploring what fits comfortably in your budget, a few common guidelines can help you plan with confidence.
The 30% rule suggests keeping your total housing costs within about 30% of your gross monthly income. That includes your principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and utilities.
Another helpful benchmark is the 28/36 rule. This guideline suggests keeping housing expenses around 28% of your gross monthly income and total debt around 36%. Total debt includes things like car loans, student loans, credit cards, and other monthly obligations.
While some lending scenarios may allow for higher ratios depending on your financial profile, these benchmarks can be a helpful starting point when thinking about what feels comfortable and sustainable.
If you’re curious about what your numbers might look like or you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to help: https://heartland.bank/michaelevans