Free Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Find out how much house you can afford based on your income, debts, and down payment. Uses the 28/36 debt-to-income rule.

USD
USD

Car payments, student loans, credit cards, etc.

USD
%

Affordable Home Price

$363,785

Maximum Loan Amount$313,785
Estimated Monthly Payment$1,983.33

Affordable Home Price vs Monthly Debt Payments

How Mortgage Affordability Is Calculated

Lenders use the 28/36 rule to determine how much you can afford:

  • 28% Rule: Your monthly housing payment should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income
  • 36% Rule: Your total monthly debts (including housing) should not exceed 36% of gross monthly income
  • The calculator takes the lower of these two limits and works backward to find the maximum loan amount you qualify for.

    Example Calculation

    You earn $85,000/year with $500/month in existing debts, $50,000 down payment, at 6.5% for 30 years.

    1. 01Monthly income: $85,000 / 12 = $7,083.33
    2. 0228% rule max housing payment: $7,083.33 * 0.28 = $1,983.33
    3. 0336% rule max total debts: $7,083.33 * 0.36 - $500 = $2,050.00
    4. 04Use lower value: $1,983.33
    5. 05Max loan amount at 6.5% for 30 years: $313,770
    6. 06Affordable home price: $313,770 + $50,000 = $363,770

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Learn More

    How to Calculate Mortgage Payments

    Learn how to calculate mortgage payments step by step. Understand the mortgage payment formula, principal vs. interest breakdown, escrow, PMI, and how to use amortization schedules.

    Related Calculators