How much house can I afford on $60,000 a year?
A home up to about
$196,274
On $60,000 a year, you could afford a home up to about $196,274 with a 20% down payment of $39,255. The mortgage payment would be about $1,070 a month, or $1,400 with property tax and home insurance.
- Down payment
- $39,255
- Mortgage
- $157,019
- Payment a month
- $1,070
What it costs each month
| Mortgage payment | $1,070 |
| Property tax | $180 |
| Home insurance | $150 |
| Total | $1,400 |
|---|
How your down payment changes it
| Saved for a down payment | Home up to | Mortgage | Payment a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| $8,027 (5%) | $160,529 | $152,502 | $1,039 |
| $16,835 (10%) | $168,347 | $151,512 | $1,033 |
| $39,255 (20%) | $196,274 | $157,019 | $1,070 |
How it’s worked out
Lenders usually keep housing costs (mortgage, property tax, insurance and PMI) under 28% of your gross income, and all your debt payments under 36%. On $60,000, that's $1,400 a month for housing.
Assumes no other debts, 1.1% property tax, $1,800 a year home insurance and 0.5% PMI below 20% down, using the 28/36 guideline. Freddie Mac’s average 30-year fixed rate was 7.24% on 29 October 2026.
- Uses the 28/36 guideline: housing costs (mortgage, property tax, insurance, PMI and HOA fees) up to 28% of gross income, and all debt payments up to 36%. Lenders can approve higher ratios, so this is a comfortable limit rather than the most you could be lent.
- Assumes all your savings go towards the down payment. Closing costs, usually a few percent of the price, are extra.
- PMI is charged while your down payment is under 20%.
Frequently asked questions
How much house can I afford on $60,000 a year?
On $60,000 a year, you could afford a home up to about $196,274 with a 20% down payment of $39,255. The mortgage payment would be about $1,070 a month, or $1,400 with property tax and home insurance.
How much down payment do I need on $60,000?
With $8,027 saved, you could buy a home up to about $160,529. With $16,835 saved, you could buy a home up to about $168,347. With $39,255 saved, you could buy a home up to about $196,274.