How Much House Can I Afford with a $70K Salary? (2024)

I make $70,000 a year: How much house can I afford?

If you’re an aspiring homeowner, you may be asking yourself, “How much house can I afford with a $70K salary?”

If you make $70K a year, you can likely afford a home between $290,000 and $310,000*. Depending on your personal finances, that’s a monthly house payment between $2,000 and $2,500. Keep in mind that figure will include your monthly mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance.

This is good to know, but there’s a lot more to home affordability than your salary. Depending on factors like your mortgage rate, credit score, and down payment, you might be able to buy far more house than the average borrower. Here’s how.

Check your home buying budget. Start here

In this article (Skip to...)

  • Examples
  • Budgeting
  • Calculating affordability
  • Other factors
  • Home affordability tips

*Home price example assumes a 30-year fixed interest rate of 7.0% on a home purchase with a 0.97% annual property tax rate, $30,000 down payment, and a $600 annual homeowners insurance premium. Your own interest rate and budget will be different. All examples generated using The Mortgage Reports mortgage calculator.

How much house can I afford on $70K a year?

The house you can afford on a $70K income will likely be between $290,000 to $310,000. However, your home-buying budget depends on quite a few financial factors — not just your salary.

Aside from your gross monthly income, lenders look at your credit score, down payment, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and your estimated mortgage rate, among other things. Depending on how these numbers shake out, your home buying budget with a $70,000 salary could look very different. Take a look at a few examples to see what we mean.

Check your budget with a lender today. Start here

Maximum home purchase price by down payment

How much money you can put down significantly influences how affordable a home is. A larger down payment reduces your loan amount, leading to smaller monthly payments.

Annual Salary$70,000$70,000
Down Payment$15,000$30,000
Current Monthly Debts$0$0
Mortgage Rate7.0%7.0%
Home Buying Budget$260,502$275,502

Maximum home purchase price by debt-to-income ratio

Although many financial experts recommend maintaining a debt-to-income ratio of 25% or less, this isn’t always practical in many housing markets.

By reducing your DTI ratio from 40% to 25%, you could enhance your purchasing capacity by approximately $130,000, assuming an income of $75,000.

Annual Salary$70,000$70,000
Down Payment$30,000$30,000
Current Monthly Debts$150$500
Mortgage Rate7.0%7.0%
Home Buying Budget$275,502$270,492

Maximum home purchase price by mortgage rate

The interest rate is another key factor that determines the highest price you can pay for a home. When interest rates fall, it becomes an opportune time to start looking for a home.

Annual Salary$70,000$70,000
Down Payment$30,000$30,000
Current Monthly Debts$0$0
Mortgage Rate7%7.5%
Home Buying Budget$275,502$263,595

All examples assume a credit score of 740, a 0.97% annual property tax rate, and a $600 per year homeowners insurance premium. All calculations were made using The Mortgage Reports home affordability calculator. See our full list of rate assumptions here.

Budgeting for monthly housing costs

As a rule of thumb, personal finance experts often recommend adhering to the 28/36 rule, which suggests spending no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing. For someone earning $70,000 a year, or about $5,800 a month, this means a housing expense of up to $1,624.

However, spending between 25% ($1,450) and 33% ($1,914) of your income on housing is also commonly advised. For those who can manage higher expenses, allocating 40% would result in a $2,320 monthly payment.

Remember, the 28/36 rule also implies keeping total debt payments, including housing, under 36% of your income.

Find your lowest mortgage rate. Start here
  • 28/36 rule: Spending 28% of your gross income on housing would mean about $1,624
  • One-fourth rule: Spending 25% of $5,800 on housing would mean a total monthly payment of about $1,450
  • One-third rule: Spending 33% of that $5,800 on housing would put the payment right under $2,000 a month
  • Even more: If you could afford to spend 40% of your monthly income on housing expenses, you’d have a $2,300 monthly mortgage payment

Of course, your monthly payment is only half the equation. Next, we’ll estimate how much house you can afford based on your monthly budget.

How to calculate how much house you can afford

Your mortgage lender ultimately determines your purchasing power. However, free online mortgage calculators are excellent tools for getting a ballpark estimate of your housing expenses.

Check your budget with a lender today. Start here

Before using a mortgage calculator, make sure you research current mortgage rates to get a more accurate estimate. You can go a step further by checking your credit, and then searching for average mortgage rates based on credit score.

Once you input your annual income and estimated mortgage rate, the calculator determines the maximum amount of money you’re able to spend on a house and the expected monthly payment.

Consider your total monthly payment

Several different costs are included in a mortgage payment. It’s important to plan for all your monthly expenses so you get an accurate estimate of the purchase price you can afford based on your monthly budget.

The four main components of a mortgage payment are principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (also known as PITI):

  • Principal and interest payment: Principal refers to the loan amount. Your interest payment is the cost of borrowing funds. Each month, a certain percentage of your housing payment goes toward repaying the principal while another part goes toward interest
  • Property taxes: In most states, you’ll pay annual property taxes based on your home value. Lenders add a portion of your annual tax bill to each monthly mortgage payment. That way the money is available, in escrow, when the annual tax bill comes due
  • Insurance: Homeowners insurance is required when you buy a house. Home insurance protects the property from damages like theft, fire, or natural disaster. You might also have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you purchase a home with less than a 20% down. This insurance protects the lender if you default on the loan
  • Homeowner’s association (HOA) dues: If you purchase in a community with a homeowner’s association, you’ll also pay monthly HOA fees. These fees might cover the cost of landscaping, community centers, maintenance, trash removal, etc

How your monthly payment affects your price range

Some mortgage calculators don’t factor in all of the costs included in your monthly payment. This can give you an unrealistic estimate of how much house you’re able to afford based on your household income.

The reason? You have a set monthly budget, and when your other homeownership costs are higher, there’s less of that budget left over for your house itself. In turn, this reduces how much house you can afford. So to get a more accurate estimate of your home buying budget, use a mortgage calculator with taxes, insurance, and PMI included.

Also remember to factor in monthly living expenses like cell phone bills, internet bills, and utilities. Lenders don’t look at these outgoings when determining your eligibility. But they’ll impact both your monthly budget and mortgage affordability.

You can also simply speak with a loan officer. They will be your best bet when answering the question of how much house you could afford with a $70,000 salary. They can give you a free mortgage loan estimate with the most accurate number based on your finances and current mortgage rates.

Factors that affect home affordability

Even though salary is a huge factor in determining home affordability, other things also impact your price range.

Check your budget with a lender today. Start here

The reality is that two applicants who both earn $70,000 a year might qualify for two very different mortgage amounts.

We showed you the numbers above. Here’s a little more information on what each factor means and why it’s important to a mortgage lender.

Down payment

It’s possible to buy with no money down when you use a USDA loan or VA loan. But most home loan programs require a minimum down payment between 3% and 5%.

Making a bigger down payment reduces the amount you’ll borrow to buy a new home. This will lower your monthly payment, even though you’re getting the same home. If you can put down at least 20% on a conventional loan, you can also avoid PMI, which will make your monthly payments even more affordable.

When you’re budgeting for a down payment, remember to include closing costs in your calculations, too. Closing costs are typically between 2% and 5% of the loan amount. This can add a few thousand dollars to your upfront, out-of-pocket costs.

Credit score

Your credit score also plays a role in how much house you can afford. The higher your credit score, the lower your mortgage rate. Your mortgage interest rate not only determines your total loan cost, but it also affects how much you pay on a monthly basis compared to how much you earn.

Mortgage interest rates

Mortgage rates can fluctuate from week to week, or even day to day, based on market conditions. Rates also vary by lender, which is why it’s important to shop around for your mortgage loan and find the best deal.

Begin shopping for mortgage rates. Start here

Debt-to-income ratio

When calculating affordability, your lender also considers your current debt load. Your debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your monthly income that you spend on monthly debt payments.

A borrower who earns a $70,000 income but also has student loan payments, a car payment, and high-interest credit card payments might qualify for a much smaller loan than a borrower with the same salary and zero consumer debt.

Ideally, your total debts shouldn’t exceed 36% to 43% of your gross annual income (including the future mortgage payment). But the maximum threshold varies by loan program. Some FHA loan lenders allow a DTI up to 50%, or even higher, if you have “compensating factors” that make up for the high DTI.

Even though you can get approved with a higher DTI, your high debt payments can reduce your maximum loan size which limits your home purchasing power.

Employment history

Mortgage lenders care about the amount of your income, but they also evaluate the stability of your income. In most cases, you’ll need to show a history of two consecutive years of employment to qualify for a mortgage.

That said, a two-year job history isn’t always required. This can help first-time home buyers who may be just starting out in their careers or self-employed buyers who don’t have W2 forms and official pay stubs.

The most important thing in a lender’s eyes is income stability. The more predictable your income, the better. So if most of your income comes from commissions — which aren’t guaranteed — the lender will review your commission income over the previous two years.

It’s worth noting that your income verification also needs to be “on paper” — meaning if a portion of your income is in the form of cash tips that do not appear on pay stubs or W2s, then you may not be able to use gratuities as income.

Your loan officer will use your household’s average pre-tax income over this two-year period for qualifying purposes. If your income is considerably less in any one of those years, you might only qualify for a small mortgage.

Loan term

A longer loan term (for instance, a 30-year vs. 15-year mortgage) will have a lower monthly mortgage payment for the same loan size. Mortgage payments are typically lower with longer terms because lenders have more time to collect the debt.

Stretching your housing debt across a longer mortgage term means you can buy a more expensive home for the same monthly payment. For example, a $2,000-a-month house payment might buy a $350,000 home over 30 years. The same $2,000 payment might buy only a $235,000 home with a 15-year loan.

That’s why most buyers choose 30-year loan terms, even though this type of mortgage costs more in interest over the life of the loan compared to a 15-year loan.

Tips to afford more house on a $70,000 salary

If you’re still asking yourself, “how much house can i afford with a 70k salary?”— you’re not alone. Achieving your financial goals and securing more house for your money on a $70,000 salary is feasible with proper planning. Here are some strategies.

Check your budget with a lender today. Start here

1. Save for a bigger down payment and use housing assistance programs

Remember, a bigger down payment gives you more buying power. So rather than putting down the typical 3% to 5%, consider saving a minimum of 10% to 15%. Paying more down upfront also helps you negotiate a lower interest rate.

Exploring down payment assistance programs (DPAs) can significantly boost your purchasing power. While saving a typical 3% to 5% is standard, aiming for at least 10% to 15% can make a big difference. A larger down payment not only increases home equity early on but also improves your negotiating stance on housing costs.

We’ve compiled a guide to down payment assistance programs in every state to help you increase how much home you can afford.

2. Boost your credit score

You don’t need excellent credit to get a mortgage, but a good credit score saves money in the long run since you’ll qualify for a better rate. Always check your credit history and score before applying for a mortgage. If necessary, take steps to boost your score. Pay your bills on time and pay down any financial obligations like credit card debt or auto loans.

3. Lower your debt-to-income ratio

Reducing your debt not only increases your credit score, but it also boosts your purchasing power. That’s because your DTI ratio is lower.

Come up with a plan to pay off student loans, credit cards, and other debts before buying a home. Also, if you’re thinking about buying a house in the near future, don’t take on a new car loan if possible. This added debt can lower your purchasing power quite a lot.

4. Don’t be afraid of mortgage insurance

Even though a 20% down payment can help you get a lower mortgage rate and increase affordability, this isn’t the right move for everyone.

As a general rule, you should never drain your personal savings account for a home purchase. If a 20% down payment means depleting your cash reserves, it’s wiser to put down less money. This way, you retain cash for emergencies.

Understandably, some homebuyers aim for 20% down to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). Yes, PMI is an added expense. But it’s not always a permanent expense. As you pay down your mortgage balance and your home increases in value, you’ll eventually have 20% equity. At that point, you can cancel your PMI. Or, if you have an FHA loan, you can refinance into a conventional loan to remove this cost.

Paying private mortgage insurance also helps you buy a new house sooner. The mortgage and housing market is unpredictable. If you delay buying until you have a 20% down payment, you could potentially miss out on more affordable home prices.

FAQ: How much house can I afford with a $70K salary?

Verify your home buying eligibility. Start here

What type of loan should I consider if I make $70,000 a year?

Your choice of loan type can vary based on your financial situation and the home you want to buy. Conventional loans often require a higher down payment but come with potentially lower interest rates if you have good credit. FHA loans are more accessible if you have a smaller down payment or less-than-perfect credit. VA loans and USDA loans might offer no down payment options if you qualify. Considering fixed-rate loans might be a good idea for stability in your monthly payments.

What percentage of my income should I spend on housing if I make $70,000 a year?

It’s recommended to spend between 25% and 33% of your gross monthly income on housing. For a $70,000 annual salary, this translates to a monthly mortgage payment of about $1,450 to $2,000​​.

How does my credit score affect the house I can afford on a $70,000 salary?

Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining the interest rate you’ll receive on a mortgage. A higher credit score can secure a lower interest rate, which in turn increases your buying power. It’s important to check and possibly improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage​​​​.

How much house can I afford with a $70,000 salary?

The amount of house you can afford on a $70,000 salary depends on various factors, including your down payment, existing debts, and the mortgage rate. Generally, it’s recommended to spend between 25% to 33% of your gross monthly income on housing. For a $70,000 salary, this translates to a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $1,450 to $2,000. However, the exact amount can vary based on your personal circ*mstances and the type of loan you choose.

Bottom line: How much house can you afford on $70K?

So, how much house can you afford while earning $70K a year? Ultimately, factors other than salary determine your price range. Yes, income is a big component of the equation. But you must consider your monthly cost of living, your down payment, and of course, your interest rate.

Before heading out to open houses with your real estate agent or Realtor, get your finances in order and get preapproved for a loan. This will help you maximize your home buying power on any salary.

Time to make a move? Let us find the right mortgage for you

How Much House Can I Afford with a $70K Salary? (2024)

FAQs

How Much House Can I Afford with a $70K Salary? ›

How much house can I afford if I make $70K per year? Let's look at a mortgage on 70k salary. Assuming the same 4.5 percent interest rate and a 30-year term, you could afford a mortgage of $175,000 ($70,000 x 2.5).

How much mortgage can I afford with a 70k salary? ›

Generally, it's recommended to spend between 25% to 33% of your gross monthly income on housing. For a $70,000 salary, this translates to a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $1,450 to $2,000. However, the exact amount can vary based on your personal circ*mstances and the type of loan you choose.

How much house can I afford with 75k income? ›

28/36 rule example. Here's how the 28/36 rule works, assuming you make $6,250 per month ($75,000 per year) before taxes. If my “front-end” DTI ratio is 28%, what monthly payment can I afford? Your monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed $1,750.

Can you live comfortably on $70,000 a year? ›

You may be able to live comfortably off $70,000, depending on where you live and how many people are in your household. If you're single and live in an area where the cost of living is below average, you can likely live well on $70,000.

How much rent can I afford on $70k? ›

So you're looking at somewhere near $3791 after tax per month. To be safe, a rule of thumb is that you should aim for 1/3 of your salary or less on rent. That will leave the appropriate amount for spending money, insurance, transportation, etc etc. So my suggestion is to look for $1263 per month or less.

Can I buy a house if I make 70k a year? ›

Breaking down the math to apply the 28 percent rule, here's how much you can afford in housing payments on your salary: $70,000 per year is about $5,833 per month. 28 percent of $5,833 equals $1,633, so that's the upper limit on how much you should spend on monthly housing costs.

Can I buy a house making 70k a year? ›

In certain parts of the U.S., earning $70,000 annually could mean you can easily afford a home that fits your budget. However, in high-cost-of-living areas or cities with inflated housing markets, finding affordable housing options could be more challenging.

Can I afford a 300k house on a 70k salary? ›

So, to estimate the salary you'll need to comfortably afford a $300,000 home purchase, multiply the annual total of $24,000 by three. That leaves us with a recommended income of $72,000. (Keep in mind that this does not include a down payment or closing costs.)

Is 75k a year middle class? ›

One commonly used definition from the Pew Research Center sets a middle-class income between two-thirds and twice the national median income, or $67,819 to $203,458 for a family of four in 2022. Most Americans consider the lower end of that range, $75,000 and $100,000, to be middle class, according to the Post poll.

Can I buy a house making 75k a year? ›

Individuals with a salary of $75,000 a year should aim for a home price ranging from $150,000 to $225,000, which would yield a mortgage payment of $998 to $1,497,” said Miles, who cautioned to budget for costs beyond the loan itself.

Is 70k a year poor? ›

Angelenos who make $70,000 a year are still considered 'low-income'

Is 70k a year middle class? ›

The Pew Research Center defines the middle class as households that earn between two-thirds and double the median U.S. household income, which was $65,000 in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How to budget 70k salary? ›

The rule recommends that you allocate 50 percent of your budget for essentials (housing, transportation, utilities and groceries), 20 percent toward financial priorities (retirement contributions, savings, and debt payments), and the remaining 30 percent for bonus (read: fun) lifestyle expenses.

How much should I spend on rent making $70,000? ›

Experts recommend renters spend no more than 25% to 30% of their monthly income on rent. So, for example, if you make $60,000 per year, your rent and renters insurance shouldn't go higher than $18,000—or $1,500 per month.

How much is 70k a year per hour? ›

If you make $70,000 a year, your hourly salary would be $33.65.

Can I afford a 300k house on a 60k salary? ›

An individual earning $60,000 a year may buy a home worth ranging from $180,000 to over $300,000. That's because your wage isn't the only factor that affects your house purchase budget. Your credit score, existing debts, mortgage rates, and a variety of other considerations must all be taken into account.

Is 70k a good salary for a single person? ›

In some regions with a lower cost of living, a $70,000 salary can provide a comfortable lifestyle and the ability to save for the future, making it a good income for your age. However, in high-cost-of-living areas, this salary might require careful budgeting to maintain the same standard of living.

What will be approved for a mortgage if I make $65000 a year? ›

On a salary of $65,000 per year, as long as you have very little debt, you can afford a house priced at around $175,000 with a monthly payment of $1,517 with no down payment. This number assumes a 6% interest rate and a standard debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 36%.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Carey Rath

Last Updated:

Views: 5507

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Carey Rath

Birthday: 1997-03-06

Address: 14955 Ledner Trail, East Rodrickfort, NE 85127-8369

Phone: +18682428114917

Job: National Technology Representative

Hobby: Sand art, Drama, Web surfing, Cycling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Leather crafting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.