Assuming a 20 percent down payment on a 30-year fixed-rate loan at an interest rate of 7 percent, you can afford the payments on a $240,000 home, according to Bankrate's mortgage calculator.
You can buy a $300,000 house with only $9,000 down when using a conventional mortgage, which is the lowest down payment permitted, unless you qualify for a zero-down-payment VA or USDA loan. Different lenders have different rules, but typically they require a 620 credit score for conventional loan approval.
However, in general, a salary of $70000 a year can provide a comfortable lifestyle in many areas of the United States. This may include being able to afford a modest home or apartment, a reliable car, regular entertainment and dining out, as well as savings for retirement and emergencies.
But data from the U.S. Census Bureau cites a different number as the average salary: just under $75,000. What does this all mean? By the Census data, it means that if you earn between $50,000 and $150,000 a year, you are considered middle class.
On a $75,000 salary, you could potentially afford a house worth between $250,000 to $300,000, depending on your specific financial situation. This range assumes you have a good credit score and manageable existing debts.
A 20% down payment on a $300,000 mortgage is $60,000. The $60,000 down payment is what most lenders look for especially commercial lenders, because it helps mitigate the risk of default.
An annual income of about $90,000 could allow you to afford a $300,000 mortgage, assuming you don't have other significant debt, such as student loans. But how much house you can afford will depend on multiple factors, including credit history and how much you have saved for a down payment, to name a couple.
While there's no magic number, here's a general idea of what you'll need to afford a $350,000 home: Income: Aim for a combined gross annual income between $87,000 and $110,000. This is a starting point, and your actual needs may vary. Down Payment: A larger down payment means a smaller loan and lower monthly payments.
The average salary across the United States sits at $63,795, per the Social Security Administration. So an income of $300,000 per year — more than four times that figure — is by most standards a great salary for a single person in 2024.
According to the 28/36 rule, you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing and no more than 36% on all debts. Housing costs can include: Your monthly mortgage payment. Homeowners Insurance. Private mortgage insurance.
If you make $70,000 a year, your hourly salary would be $33.65.
If you're making $75,000 each year, your monthly earnings come out to $6,250. To meet the 28 piece of the 28/36 rule, that means your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed $1,750. And for the 36 part, your total monthly debts should not come to more than $2,250.
How to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) compares how much you owe each month to how much you earn. Specifically, it's the percentage of your gross monthly income (before taxes) that goes towards payments for rent, mortgage, credit cards, or other debt.
Average closing costs for the buyer run between about 2% and 6% of the loan amount. That means, on a $300,000 home loan, you would pay from $6,000 to $18,000 in closing costs in addition to the down payment. The most cost-effective way to cover the costs is to pay them out-of-pocket as a one-time expense.
If your lender offered you a $300,000 loan with a 15-year fixed-rate term at a 7% annual percentage rate (APR), you could expect your monthly payment — principal and interest — to be about $2,696. If you took out a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 7% APR, your payment could be about $1,995.
An annual income of about $76,000 should put you in the position to afford a $250,000 mortgage, assuming you have relatively little other debt. But exactly what amount you'll need to earn will depend on your interest rate, loan term, and debt level, among other factors.
They require a minimum down payment of just 3.5%, which is $10,500 for a $300,000 home. Please also note that mortgage insurance premiums are a requirement for all FHA loans. Similar to Private Mortgage Insurance, FHA Mortgage Insurance is in place to protect lenders if a default occurs.
The average monthly mortgage payment on a $250K loan with a 30-year fixed term and an interest rate of 7% is about $1,663. Keep in mind that this monthly payment doesn't include additional mortgage fees such as property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Your costs on a $350,000 mortgage will depend on your rate, loan term, and other factors; your monthly payment on a 30-year loan could range from $2,098 to $2,568.
The Bottom Line. On a $70,000 salary using a 50% DTI, you could potentially afford a house worth between $200,000 to $250,000, depending on your specific financial situation.
When it comes to defining a “good” salary, there's no one magic number. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average salary in the U.S. is $65,470, as of May 2023. Based on this data point, $70K a year is a good salary for a single person — one that puts you above the national average.
If you make $40,000 a year, you can afford to spend $1,000 a month on rent. If you make $50,000 a year, you can afford to spend $1,250 a month on rent. If you make $75,000 a year, you can afford to spend $1,875 a month on rent. If you make $100,000 a year, you can afford to spend $2,500 a month on rent.