How Much of My Income Should Go Toward My Mortgage?
A common guideline is to keep your housing payment under 28% of your gross monthly income. On a $100,000 salary, that's about $2,333 a month. But the right number for you depends on your other debts, your lifestyle, and how much financial cushion you want.
The 28% guideline
The 28% rule says your total housing payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and any HOA) shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. It's the "front-end" half of the 28/36 rule, and it's a sensible starting point for a comfortable budget. On $8,333 a month in gross income (a $100,000 salary), 28% is roughly $2,333 for housing.
Why gross income, not take-home
Lenders and these guidelines use gross (pre-tax) income, but your actual budget runs on take-home pay. That's an important gap: 28% of your gross might feel like a lot more of your net. This is why the guideline is a ceiling to stay under, not a target to hit. Many financially comfortable homeowners deliberately spend less than 28%, especially if they have other goals like retirement savings or want a larger safety margin.
How your other debts change the answer
The 28% housing figure assumes your total debts stay reasonable. If you have a significant car payment or student loans, you may want your housing payment lower than 28% to keep your overall debt-to-income ratio healthy. Someone with no other debt can comfortably go closer to the top of the range; someone carrying other payments should aim lower.
What you can actually afford vs. what feels right
There's a difference between what a lender will approve and what leaves you comfortable. A lender might approve a payment at 35% or more of your gross income, but that doesn't mean you'll enjoy living at that level. The affordability calculator can show you both the comfortable and the maximum numbers, and the gap between them is a personal decision about how much of your life you want your mortgage to claim.
The bottom line
Use 28% as your comfortable ceiling, adjust downward if you carry other debt or want more cushion, and remember that spending less than the max is a legitimate, often smart choice. The goal isn't to borrow as much as you can, it's to buy a home that fits your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my monthly income should go to my mortgage?
A common guideline is under 28% of your gross monthly income for your total housing payment. Many people deliberately spend less to leave room for other goals and unexpected expenses.
Is 28% based on gross or take-home pay?
Gross (pre-tax) income. Since you live on take-home pay, 28% of gross can feel like more of your actual budget, which is why it's a ceiling to stay under rather than a target.
What if I have other debts like a car loan?
Aim for a housing payment below 28% so your total debt-to-income ratio stays healthy. The more other debt you carry, the lower you'll want your housing payment.
Emmett Clark
Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS #233747 · 20+ Years Experience
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by Emmett Clark, a licensed mortgage professional serving homebuyers across 18 states including California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Colorado. Last updated: July 15, 2026.
About Emmett NMLS #233747
Emmett Clark (NMLS #233747) is a licensed mortgage professional with 20+ years of experience helping families achieve their homeownership dreams. Licensed in 18 states nationwide, Emmett specializes in finding the right mortgage solution for each client's unique situation. Powered by Loan Factory, Emmett provides access to competitive rates and a wide variety of loan programs including conventional, FHA, VA, and down payment assistance programs.
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