Home Affordability Calculator
Estimate the maximum home price you can comfortably afford.
Estimates for educational purposes only — not financial, tax, or investment advice.
The 28/36 rule
A common lender guideline says your housing payment shouldn't exceed 28% of gross monthly income (the front-end ratio), and your total debt including housing shouldn't exceed 36% (the back-end ratio). This calculator takes the lower of the two limits, then works backward from that payment to the loan you can support and adds your down payment to estimate a maximum home price.
What this estimate leaves out
The result covers principal and interest only. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, PMI, and HOA fees all count toward the real housing payment, so your comfortable price is usually a bit lower than this figure. Treat it as a ceiling to start the conversation, not a target.
Frequently asked questions
Should I borrow the maximum?
Rarely. This shows the upper limit lenders may allow, not what's comfortable. Buying below your max leaves room for taxes, insurance, repairs, and life.
How does a bigger down payment help?
It raises the home price you can reach, can remove PMI at 20% down, and lowers your monthly payment and total interest.