House Affordability Calculator
Free house affordability calculator. Solves max home price from income, debts, down payment, rate, taxes, insurance, PMI and HOA using conventional, FHA and VA DTI limits.
Frequently asked questions
How much house can I afford on my income?
A common rule is the 28/36 guideline: housing costs should stay under 28% of gross monthly income (front-end DTI) and total debt payments under 36% (back-end DTI). This calculator applies both ceilings simultaneously and reports the lower of the two prices — which is the number a lender will actually approve.
What is the difference between front-end and back-end DTI?
Front-end DTI measures your housing payment (PITI + HOA) as a percentage of gross monthly income. Back-end DTI measures all monthly debt payments (housing + car + student loans + credit cards + alimony) as a percentage of gross monthly income. Lenders apply both ratios and qualify you at whichever is more restrictive.
Do FHA and VA loans let me afford more house?
Often yes. FHA allows up to 31/43 DTI with a 3.5% down payment, and VA loans have no down-payment requirement and rely on 41% back-end DTI plus a residual-income test. Switch the DTI preset in this calculator to see how each program changes your maximum price.
Should I include property tax and PMI in my affordability estimate?
Yes — lenders qualify you against total PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) plus HOA, not just principal and interest. Leaving them out can overstate affordability by 20-30%. This calculator adds property tax, insurance, PMI (when LTV exceeds 80%), and HOA to every scenario.