Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Find out how much home you can afford based on income and debts.
Last updated: June 13, 2026
Calculator
Results
Based on 28/36 rule
Max housing cost
After $400 monthly debts
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your annual gross income.
- 2Enter your monthly debt payments.
- 3Enter your down payment amount.
- 4View your maximum home price based on the 28/36 rule.
Formula Explanation
Affordability is calculated using the 28/36 rule: housing costs should not exceed 28% of gross income, and total debt should not exceed 36%.
Variables:
Worked Examples
$85,000 income, $400/month debts, $50,000 down
- 1. Monthly gross = $7,083
- 2. Max housing (28%) = $1,983
- 3. Max total debt (36%) = $2,550
- 4. Available for mortgage = $2,550 - $400 = $2,150
- 5. Using $1,983 (lower of the two)
- 6. Max loan ≈ $310,000 at 6.5%/30yr
Why Use This Calculator
- Know your budget before house hunting.
- Based on industry-standard lending guidelines.
- Accounts for existing debt obligations.
- Prevents overextending your finances.
Tips & Best Practices
- The 28/36 rule is a guideline — aim lower for financial comfort.
- Remember to budget for maintenance (1-2% of home value/year).
- Your pre-approval amount may be higher than what you should actually spend.
- Include property taxes and homeowner's insurance in your budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using net income instead of gross income.
✅ Lenders use gross (pre-tax) income for qualification. But budget using net income for real-world planning.
❌ Maxing out the approved amount.
✅ Just because you qualify for $400K doesn't mean you should spend it. Leave room for savings, emergencies, and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 28/36 rule?
Does my down payment affect how much I can afford?
What debts count toward the 36% limit?
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<iframe src="https://redicalc.com/embed/finance/mortgage-affordability-calculator" width="100%" height="600" style="border:none;border-radius:12px;box-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);" title="Mortgage Affordability Calculator — RediCalc.com" loading="lazy" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. RediCalc.com makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any calculations. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial, health, construction, or other important decisions.
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