The 2026 Guide: How Much To Make To Afford A $100K House

You need approximately $27,000-$35,000 in gross annual income to comfortably afford a $100,000 house.

This calculation is based on the widely accepted 28/36 rule, where your housing costs shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.

With a 20% down payment ($20,000), your monthly payments including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance would typically range from $750-$850.

This makes a $100K home exceptionally affordable compared to the national median home price of $410,800.

Even with a smaller down payment, the income requirements remain very manageable for most working Americans, making this price point an excellent entry opportunity for first-time homebuyers.

Understanding exactly how much income you need involves several key calculations and factors that directly impact your monthly housing costs and overall affordability:

Monthly Payment Calculations

With current mortgage rates around 6.05%, here's how the numbers break down for a $100,000 house:

• If you put down 20% ($20,000), you'll finance $80,000.
• Your principal and interest payment would be approximately $480 per month.
• Add property taxes (typically $83-$167 monthly depending on your state), homeowners insurance ($50-$100 monthly), and you're looking at total monthly housing costs between $613-$747.
• However, if you put down less than 20%, you'll also need private mortgage insurance (PMI), which adds roughly $67-$100 monthly, bringing your total to $750-$850.

The 28/36 Rule Applied

Lenders use the 28/36 rule to determine how much house you can afford:

• The "28" means your housing costs shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
• The "36" means your total debt payments shouldn't exceed 36% of gross income.

If your monthly housing cost is $800, you'd need a gross monthly income of at least $2,857 (or $34,286 annually).

If you can keep housing costs to $700 monthly, you'd need $2,500 monthly income (or $30,000 annually).

This rule ensures you have enough income left over for other expenses and savings.

Loan Options And Down Payment Requirements

Several loan programs can help you afford a $100K house with different down payment requirements:

• Conventional loans require as little as 3% down ($3,000 on a $100k house) with a credit score of 620 or higher.
• FHA loans allow 3.5% down ($3,500 on a $100k house) with credit scores as low as 580, making them popular with first-time buyers.
• Veterans can use VA loans with 0% down and no PMI requirement.
• USDA loans also offer 0% down for homes in eligible rural areas.

Each option affects your monthly payment and income requirements differently, so it's worth exploring what you qualify for.

State-By-State Affordability & Tax Comparison

Where you buy matters significantly for affordability and tax. For instance, in states like West Virginia, Arkansas, and Mississippi, $100,000 can buy a decent home since median home prices are only $240,000-$200,000 respectively.

Property taxes also vary dramatically. While New Jersey averages 2.23% annually, Alabama averages just 0.41%. This means your monthly property tax on a $100K home could range from $34 in Alabama to $186 in New Jersey.

States with lower property taxes and insurance costs make the $100K price point even more affordable.

Additional Costs To Consider

Beyond your monthly payment, budget for:

• Closing costs ($1,600-$4,000 for a $100K home), which include appraisal fees, title insurance, and loan origination costs.
• You'll also need money for moving expenses, immediate repairs, and furnishing.
• Plan to set aside $1,000-$2,000 annually for maintenance and repairs, that's roughly $83-$167 monthly.

Financial experts recommend having 3-6 months of expenses in an emergency fund before buying. With the median U.S. salary at $62,192, most full-time workers can comfortably afford a $100K home while maintaining healthy finances.