Home Affordability Calculator
Enter your income, debts, and down payment to see the maximum home price you can realistically qualify for — using the same 28/36 debt-to-income rule lenders use.
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| Scenario | Debt-to-income cap | Home price | Monthly payment |
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Conservative (28/36) is the traditional rule most financial planners recommend — housing costs under 28% of gross income, total debt under 36%. Qualifying max (43%) is closer to the upper limit many lenders will still approve, but leaves much less room in your budget for savings, emergencies, or a rate increase if your loan is adjustable.
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Compare rates →Quick answers
What is the 28/36 rule?
A standard lending guideline: your monthly housing costs (mortgage, tax, insurance, HOA) shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and your total monthly debt payments (housing plus car loans, student loans, credit cards, etc.) shouldn't exceed 36%. It's a rule of thumb, not a law — some loan programs allow higher ratios.
Why does my down payment affect the home price I can afford?
A larger down payment means a smaller loan, which lowers your monthly principal and interest — freeing up more of your DTI budget for a higher purchase price. It also usually gets you a better interest rate and avoids PMI (private mortgage insurance) if you put down 20% or more.
Does this include closing costs?
No. This calculates ongoing monthly affordability (PITI) only. Closing costs typically run 2–5% of the loan amount and are usually paid upfront, separate from your down payment — budget for those separately.