How Much House Can I Afford
Price range from income, debts and down payment. Change the numbers and the result updates instantly.
How it works
Lenders often use two rules. The front-end ratio caps housing cost at about 28% of gross monthly income. The back-end ratio caps all debt payments, including the new housing cost, at about 36% to 43%. This calculator applies both and shows the lower of the two so you do not over-borrow.
Example
A buyer with a $100,000 income and $500 of monthly debts can usually afford a payment of about $2,300 to $2,800 a month. Property tax and insurance take a share of that, which leaves the amount available for the loan.
Tips
- Change one input at a time to see what moves the result most.
- Use realistic rates. Check current averages before you decide.
- Results are estimates and do not replace advice from a licensed professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is this calculator free?
Yes. There is no sign-up and nothing is stored on our servers; the math runs in your browser.
How accurate is it?
It uses standard formulas, but real offers include fees, rate changes and taxes that can differ. Treat the result as an estimate.
Sources and method
Page last updated November 2026. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.