At $100,000 a year, the 28% rule gives you about $2,333 a month for housing. That buys a home around $350,000 to $400,000 in most markets.
28% of $100,000 is $28,000 a year, or $2,333 a month. After taxes and insurance, that leaves about $1,800 for principal and interest — roughly a $285,000 loan at 6.5%.
In Texas ($340,000 average) that budget fits comfortably. In Florida ($395,000) it is right at the edge. In California ($735,000), it falls well short.
Lenders may approve up to 36% DTI, but that leaves little room for life. Use our salary calculator to find your comfortable number.
Reading is step one. Step two is running your own numbers — taxes, insurance, PMI and all.
Open the mortgage calculator