MORTGAGE & HOUSING

Mortgage Payment Calculator — Estimate Your Monthly Payment & Total Cost

Most buyers use a mortgage payment calculator to estimate their monthly cost before deciding how much house they can afford.

Target Home

$
$

Loan Details

%

Taxes & Insurance

$
$

How to lower your payment

  • Increase down payment
  • Choose longer loan term
  • Lower purchase price

Estimated Monthly Payment

Total Monthly Payment

$2,441

This is your estimated monthly housing cost.

Principal & Interest

$1,991

Taxes

$350

Insurance

$100

Amortization Schedule

Principal
Interest
Remaining balance

Estimates based on your inputs. Actual results may vary. Terms →

If your monthly payment exceeds 30–35% of your gross income, you are taking on elevated financial risk.

What should you do next?

To reduce monthly pressure, choose a lower target home price. To avoid PMI and lower your principal, wait to buy until you have a 20% down payment.

Example

Example on a $400,000 home at 6.5%: → 10% down ($40k): ~$2,700/mo (Includes ~$150 PMI) → 20% down ($80k): ~$2,020/mo (No PMI) Difference: You save ~$680 per month ($8,160 per year). Over 5 years, the 20% down payment saves $40,800 in cash flow, offsetting the extra $40,000 upfront.

What to calculate next

How much will your mortgage cost per month?

Using a reliable mortgage payment calculator is the best way to stress-test your monthly budget before committing to a 30-year loan.

What affects your monthly payment?

  • Interest rate
  • Loan term
  • Down payment

How to lower your payment

  • Increase down payment
  • Choose a longer loan term
  • Lower your purchase price

How PMI impacts your payment

If your down payment is below 20%, lenders require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). This adds $100 to $300 to your monthly payment, offering no equity benefit to you. Removing PMI is the fastest way to lower your structural housing cost without changing your home price.

This tool helps you compare scenarios and understand trade-offs. Your actual decision depends on your timeline, finances, and personal priorities.

Mortgage Payment Calculator — Estimate Monthly Payment and Total Cost