How Much House Can I Afford? (2026 Guide)
Data current for 2026 tax year
How much house can I afford on my salary?
On a $75K salary, you can afford a $280K–$320K home (monthly payment ~$1,750). On $100K, that jumps to $370K–$430K. Your exact number depends on state taxes, debt, and interest rates.
This guide breaks down house affordability for $50K–$150K salaries across Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Illinois using the 28% DTI rule and 2026 tax data.
Quick comparison — $75K salary by state:
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House Affordability by Salary ($50K–$150K)
Best & Worst States for Homebuyers
✅ Best States
- Texas — No income tax, high take-home pay
- Florida — No income tax, moderate home prices
- Illinois — Affordable homes outside Chicago
🔴 Most Expensive States
- California — Median home $793K, high taxes
- New York — High taxes + high property costs
House Affordability by State
$50K Salary
| State | Max Home | Monthly | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $141,000 | $1,163 | Difficult |
| California | $161,000 | $1,167 | Difficult |
| Florida | $151,000 | $1,167 | Difficult |
| New York | $147,000 | $1,169 | Difficult |
| Illinois | $140,000 | $1,168 | Difficult |
$75K Salary
| State | Max Home | Monthly | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $212,000 | $1,750 | Tight |
| California | $242,000 | $1,754 | Difficult |
| Florida | $226,000 | $1,747 | Difficult |
| New York | $220,000 | $1,751 | Difficult |
| Illinois | $210,000 | $1,751 | Tight |
$100K Salary
| State | Max Home | Monthly | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $283,000 | $2,336 | Comfortable |
| California | $322,000 | $2,333 | Difficult |
| Florida | $302,000 | $2,334 | Tight |
| New York | $293,000 | $2,330 | Tight |
| Illinois | $280,000 | $2,335 | Comfortable |
Browse by State
Browse by Salary Level
Related Tools & Guides
This guide follows standard financial planning rules (28–36% housing ratio) and uses 2026 IRS tax brackets, state-specific tax rates, and current median home prices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much house can I afford on my salary?
What salary do you need to buy a $300,000 house?
Which states are cheapest for homebuyers?
How much should I spend on housing per month?
Does state income tax affect how much house I can afford?
How this is calculated
Formula, assumptions, and sources — reviewed May 26, 2026
How this is calculated
Formula, assumptions, and sources — reviewed May 26, 2026
Formula
Assumptions
- 28/36 DTI thresholds from Fannie Mae underwriting guidelines (housing ≤ 28%, total debt ≤ 36% of gross income).
- State-level property tax rates use 2026 effective rate averages from Tax Foundation.
- State income taxes reflect 2026 brackets published by each state's Department of Revenue.
- A 20% down payment, 30-year fixed mortgage, and a 6.5% illustrative interest rate are used unless stated otherwise.
- Homeowner's insurance is estimated at 0.35% of home value annually (national average, Insurance Information Institute).
- HOA fees, PMI, and closing costs are excluded from the affordability ceiling shown per state.
Sources
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide — Debt-to-Income Ratios — Origin of the 28/36 underwriting rule
- Tax Foundation — 2026 State Property Tax Rates — Effective property tax rates by state
- IRS — 2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets — Federal marginal rates
- Insurance Information Institute — Homeowner Insurance Facts — Average premium as % of home value
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