Home Affordability Calculator

How much house can you afford? Enter your income and debts to see three affordability scenarios based on standard lending guidelines.

Your Financial Profile

Comfortable Budget

$350,000

Based on 28% / 36% rule

Conservative

$290K

28% front-end

Moderate

$350K

36% back-end

Stretch

$420K

43% CFPB max

Gross Monthly Income $7,083
Max Housing Payment (28%) $1,983
Max Housing Payment (36%) $2,050
Max Housing Payment (43%) $2,546

Current DTI Breakdown

Housing (front-end DTI) —
All debts (back-end DTI) —
Calculate exact PITI payment →

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PITI + amortization schedule

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Home Affordability FAQ

What is the 28/36 rule?

The 28/36 rule is the most common affordability guideline used by mortgage lenders. Your housing costs (PITI) should be no more than 28% of gross monthly income (front-end ratio), and all your monthly debt payments combined should be no more than 36% (back-end ratio). The calculator above shows all three thresholds: 28%, 36%, and the CFPB's 43% maximum.

What counts as monthly debt?

Lenders count minimum payments on: car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, personal loans, child support/alimony, and other financed obligations. They do NOT count utilities, subscriptions, or insurance (unless it's credit insurance on an existing debt).

What's the difference between front-end and back-end DTI?

Front-end DTI (housing ratio) = monthly housing costs ÷ gross monthly income. Back-end DTI = (housing + all other monthly debts) ÷ gross income. Lenders look at both. Conventional loans typically cap front-end at 28% and back-end at 36–45%.

How do I increase my home buying power?

Four levers: (1) increase income, (2) pay down existing debts to lower DTI, (3) increase down payment to lower monthly P&I, (4) improve credit score to get a lower interest rate. A 0.5% rate reduction on a $350,000 loan saves about $100/month.

This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed mortgage professional for personalized advice.