How Much House Can You Afford in Houston?
Enter your income, debts, and down payment to see your maximum home price — then discover which Houston neighborhoods fit your budget.
Your Finances
Monthly gross: $7,083
Car loans, student loans, credit cards, etc.
$56,400 on recommended home
You can afford up to
$282,000
Based on 36% DTI (conservative)
Stretch budget (43% DTI)
$347,000
Higher risk
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,148/mo
$56,400
$225,600
36.0%
30.3%
Houston Zip Codes Within Your Budget
Stretch Budget Neighborhoods
These areas require a 43% DTI — workable but less financial cushion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much house can I afford on $80K in Houston?
With an $80K salary, 20% down, $400/mo in debts, and a 6.8% rate, you can typically afford a home around $230K–$270K. Many Houston zip codes have medians in this range, especially in areas like Spring, Cypress, and Pearland.
What is the 28/36 rule?
The 28/36 rule says spend no more than 28% of gross income on housing and no more than 36% on total debt. Our calculator uses the 36% total DTI as the conservative limit.
Do Houston property taxes affect affordability?
Yes — Houston's 2.23% effective rate is above the national average. On a $300K home, that's ~$560/mo in property taxes alone. However, Texas has no state income tax, partially offsetting this.
Should I put 20% down?
Putting 20% down avoids PMI ($50–$200/mo savings) and reduces your monthly payment. However, 3.5%–10% down is common for first-time buyers in Houston. Use the slider above to compare.