Most buyers focus on the maximum they can borrow — but the right question is what monthly payment fits your actual life. This calculator helps you find a home price that leaves room for saving, emergencies, and everything else.
You can afford a home around
$296,000
Based on your current income, debt, and housing cost assumptions.
Monthly Housing Budget
$2,100
This appears to be within a comfortable borrowing range.
Estimated Loan Amount
$246,000
Estimated Cash Needed (Down + Closing)
$59,000
Estimates based on your inputs. Actual results may vary. Terms →
Keep track of multiple affordability setups.
Lenders use 28% of gross income for housing.
But gross income ≠ take-home pay.
If you earn $90k, take-home is ~$5,800/mo.
28% of take-home = $1,624/mo maximum.
Housing at 25-30% of take-home pay leaves room for saving and investing.
At $90k income: $1,450–$1,740/mo is comfortable.
This typically supports a $200k–$260k home.
30-40% of take-home pay is manageable but leaves little flexibility.
One job loss or major expense can create stress.
Only stretch if you have strong savings.
Your budget is not just about what lenders approve. It's about what lets you sleep at night — and still save for retirement, emergencies, and life.
Estimates based on your inputs. Actual results may vary. Terms →