How Much Salary Do You Need to Buy an Average House?
Download MP3 In previous episodes, we've discussed how much it takes to buy a home of a certain value, highlighting that in many cases, you almost have to be a millionaire to afford certain homes. Now, we dive into the math behind buying a $400,000 house.
According to an analyst, to comfortably afford a $400,000 home, your net take-home pay should be between $10,000 to $11,000 per month. This translates to an annual income of $165,000 to $195,000, depending on your state, taxes, and other factors. So, you’re looking at a near $200,000 salary to purchase a $400,000 home, which is a significant income.
The Breakdown:
- Average monthly payment for a $400,000 house: $3,037
- Assumptions:
- 7% down payment
- 6.6% interest rate (likely to go higher)
- 1% tax rate (can be higher in some states)
- $140/month homeowners insurance (might be a little low)
- 0.5% PMI
It’s important to note that your mortgage payment should ideally not exceed 28% of your gross income. However, if you have additional debts (car payments, student loans), you may need to aim for a lower mortgage payment.
Mortgage Rates:
- Mortgage rates are expected to keep climbing, possibly nearing 9% before they start heading lower. Don’t expect them to return to the 3-4% range seen in 2021 anytime soon.
House Pricing in Different Markets:
- The median home price in 2022 was around $400,000, which is what this calculation is based on. In some areas, $400,000 will get you a decent house, but in high-demand metro areas like California, you may not find anything livable at that price.
Affordability in Other Price Ranges:
- In some markets, you can find livable homes for around $250,000, which can help you transition from renting to homeownership and begin building equity.
