How much house can I afford on a $75,000 salary?

On a $75,000 salary, you can typically afford a home priced between $200,000 and $250,000, assuming a 20% down payment, 28% front-end DTI, and current mortgage rates around 6.7%. Use our mortgage calculator to get a personalized estimate.

What is the 28/36 rule for home affordability?

The 28/36 rule says spend no more than 28% of gross income on housing costs (mortgage, taxes, insurance) and no more than 36% on total debt. Lenders use this to set your maximum home price.

How much do I need for a down payment in 2026?

Conventional loans require 3%–5% down. FHA loans require 3.5%. Putting 20% down eliminates PMI and lowers your monthly payment. Our mortgage calculator shows the impact of each down payment amount.

What mortgage rate can I expect in 2026?

As of 2026, 30-year fixed mortgage rates average 6.5%–7.0%. Your actual rate depends on credit score, loan type, and down payment. Use our calculator to model different rates.

How Much House Can I Afford in 2026? Mortgage Calculator Guide

Mortgage rates hover near 6.7% and home prices are still climbing. Here's how to find your max home price — fast.

The 28/36 Rule

Lenders want your housing payment under 28% of gross income and total debt under 36%. That means:

Front-end DTI ≤ 28% — mortgage + taxes + insurance
Back-end DTI ≤ 36% — housing + car loans + student loans + credit cards

Quick Affordability Estimates

With a 20% down payment and 6.7% rate:

Annual Income	Max Home Price	Monthly Payment
$50,000	$150,000	$1,167
$75,000	$225,000	$1,750
$100,000	$300,000	$2,333
$150,000	$450,000	$3,500

Down Payment Impact

3% down — Easier entry, but higher monthly + PMI (~$100/mo)
5% down — Slightly better rate, still pays PMI
20% down — No PMI, lowest payment, best rate

Calculate Your Max Home Price

Estimates are nice. Exact numbers are better. Plug in your income, debts, down payment, and local property tax rate:

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