Let’s be honest—figuring out what kind of home you can afford feels weirdly like online dating. You scroll, you dream, and then reality hits: nope, not in your league. But instead of swiping past your budget like it’s a red flag, how about seeing what your income actually unlocks? To help you cut through the guesswork, here are ten clear snapshots of what home you can afford at every income level.
$30,000 Salary (Home Budget: $90K–$105K)
Earning $30,000 a year typically limits your homebuying power to around $90,000 to $105,000. With about $750 to spend monthly on housing, including taxes and insurance, your search narrows significantly. You’ll likely rely on FHA loans or down payment assistance programs, contributing as little as 3% to 5% upfront.
$40,000 Salary (Home Budget: $120K–$140K)
Climbing the ladder with a $40,000 income brings cautious optimism. Most lenders will easily approve a mortgage up to $135,000, provided your monthly housing costs stay under $1,000 to meet standard DTI limits. That narrows options but not hopes, as USDA and VA loans can boost buying power in rural areas, while some urban spots may still offer a compact one-bedroom flat.
$50,000 Salary (Home Budget: $150K–$175K)
A $50,000 salary begins to reveal real possibilities in the housing market. Staying within a $1,200 monthly budget—including escrowed taxes and insurance—keeps you aligned with most lending guidelines. This price range opens access to starter homes in smaller cities and many parts of the Midwest, where affordability still exists.
$60,000 Salary (Home Budget: $180K–$210K)
Solid credit can lead to conventional loan approvals up to $200,000, supporting a monthly mortgage payment between $1,200 and $1,300. That opens doors to two-bedroom homes in a range of locations. Moreover, the Southeast and Midwest continue to shine for affordability, providing realistic chances at homeownership.
$70,000 Salary (Home Budget: $210K–$245K)
At a $70,000 salary, you’re stepping into the national average mortgage approval zone. Debt-to-income limits typically allow for monthly housing costs between $1,450 and $1,550, expanding your range of options. Shared equity programs can further stretch your location choices, offering access to more desirable areas.
$80,000 Salary (Home Budget: $240K–$280K)
This income tier marks a turning point in home affordability. Around $260,000 becomes a realistic purchase target, assuming manageable debts and a healthy credit score. Housing expenses near $1,550 to $1,650 each month fall squarely within lender guidelines. Suburban developments and small-family homes now stand as real, attainable options.
$90,000 Salary (Home Budget: $270K–$315K)
Earning $90,000 a year puts you in range for homes priced between $270,000 and $315,000. If you carry little to no debt, preapproval for a $300,000 mortgage is likely. Monthly payments, including taxes and insurance, should stay within a safe $1,800 to $1,900 range. At this level, more than 60% of U.S. counties fall within reach.
$100,000 Salary (Home Budget: $300K–$350K)
Crossing into a six-figure income allows for a broader homebuying horizon. A salary of $100,000 places your budget between $300,000 and $350,000, based on the standard three-times-income guideline that supports a $330,000 purchase. Buyers carrying minimal debt may find lenders willing to stretch approvals to four times income.
$125,000 Salary (Home Budget: $375K–$440K)
Earning $125,000 puts you in a whole new homebuying league. Budgets between $375K and $440K aren’t just possible—they’re typical. Strong credit? That could push approvals up to $430K without much resistance. Just keep an eye on those tax perks; some deductions may start slipping away at this stage.
$150,000 Salary (Home Budget: $450K–$525K)
Step into the $150,000 salary range, and suddenly, the housing market looks a lot more inviting. A budget between $450,000 and $525,000 puts you right in the sweet spot for mid-tier single-family homes, even in metro areas where prices run high. Monthly costs of around $3,000 to $3,100, covering everything from principal to insurance, keep you comfortably grounded.
