How Much House Can I Afford?
Estimate a home price that fits your budget using your income, monthly debts, down payment, and the 28/36 debt-to-income rule of thumb.
Estimated maximum home price
How We Calculated This
The 28/36 Rule, Explained
Lenders commonly use two debt-to-income (DTI) benchmarks. The front-end ratio suggests your housing costs should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, while the back-end ratio (the "36" in "28/36") suggests your total debt — including housing, car payments, student loans, and credit cards — should stay below 36%. Our calculator defaults to a 36% total-debt target, which is a widely used underwriting guideline.
Beyond the Numbers
An affordability estimate is a starting point, not a shopping budget. Your actual monthly budget also includes utilities, maintenance (commonly 1% of the home's value per year), and savings goals. Many buyers feel most comfortable when they borrow well below the maximum a lender would approve, which is why we show a "comfortable" price at 80% of the maximum.
What Else Lenders Review
Your credit score affects both your interest rate and the loan programs available to you. Your employment and income history, cash reserves, and the size of your down payment all factor into underwriting. Government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA) have their own DTI limits and eligibility rules, so a mortgage professional can help you understand which programs fit your situation.