As a general rule of thumb, a $90,000 salary typically supports a home in the $280,000–$340,000 range, assuming a 10% down payment, a 30-year fixed mortgage, minimal other debt, and a moderate interest rate environment. Your actual number can move quite a bit higher or lower depending on your debt, credit score, down payment, and the interest rate you qualify for — so treat this as a starting point, not a final answer.
The rule lenders actually use
Most lenders qualify buyers using the 28/36 rule:
- 28% rule: Your monthly housing payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and any HOA dues — often abbreviated PITIA) shouldn't exceed about 28% of your gross monthly income.
- 36% rule: Your total monthly debt payments, including the mortgage, car loans, student loans, and credit cards, shouldn't exceed about 36% of gross monthly income.
On a $90,000 salary ($7,500/month gross), that puts your housing payment ceiling around $2,100/month under the 28% guideline, and total debt payments around $2,700/month under the 36% guideline. Many conventional and FHA loans allow debt-to-income (DTI) ratios higher than 36%, sometimes up into the mid-40s, particularly with strong credit and a solid down payment — which is one reason pre-approval amounts often come in higher than these rules of thumb suggest.
What that translates to in home price
Assuming that $2,100/month housing budget, here's roughly how it breaks down at different rate and down payment scenarios (these are illustrative, not a quote):
| Down Payment | Est. Interest Rate | Approx. Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | 6.5% | ~$290,000 |
| 10% | 6.5% | ~$305,000 |
| 20% | 6.5% | ~$340,000 |
Property taxes and insurance vary a lot by location, which is one of the biggest reasons the same salary affords different home prices in different cities — and why a local, current pre-approval matters more than any online calculator.
Factors that move this number the most
- Existing debt: A $500/month car payment or student loan can reduce your approved home price by tens of thousands of dollars.
- Credit score: Higher scores generally unlock lower interest rates, which directly increases buying power.
- Down payment size: More down means a smaller loan and lower monthly payment — see our breakdown of 5% vs. 10% vs. 20% down.
- Interest rates: Even a 1-point rate swing can change affordability by 10%+.
- Property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues: These are part of your monthly payment but easy to underestimate.
The most reliable next step is getting pre-approved by a lender. A pre-approval factors in your actual credit, debt, and documented income — giving you a real number instead of a rule-of-thumb estimate, and making your offers more competitive once you start shopping.
This page is for general educational purposes and illustrates common lending guidelines. It is not personalized financial or lending advice. Actual affordability depends on your full financial picture and should be confirmed with a licensed mortgage lender.
Want a real number, not just an estimate?
The Brooksby Team can walk through your specific situation and connect you with trusted local lenders for an accurate pre-approval.
Schedule a Consultation