A six-figure salary gives you strong home buying power in most US markets. Here’s the detailed breakdown.
Have a specific home in mind? See Income Needed for a $400K House
Quick Answer: $350,000 – $450,000
| Scenario | Down Payment | Max Home Price | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (25%) | 10% | $355,000 | $2,083 |
| Standard (28%) | 10% | $400,000 | $2,333 |
| Standard (28%) | 20% | $450,000 | $2,333 |
| Aggressive (33%) | 10% | $440,000 | $2,750 |
Affordability at Different Interest Rates
| Rate | Max Home Price (28% DTI, 10% down) | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5% | $435,000 | $2,333 |
| 6.0% | $415,000 | $2,333 |
| 6.5% | $400,000 | $2,333 |
| 7.0% | $380,000 | $2,333 |
| 7.5% | $365,000 | $2,333 |
Every 0.5% rate increase reduces buying power by ~$15,000-$20,000.
State-by-State Affordability
| State | Median Home | Affordable on $100K? | Leftover Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $130,000 | ✅ Very easy | $1,513/mo extra |
| Ohio | $195,000 | ✅ Easy | $1,102/mo extra |
| Texas | $265,000 | ✅ Comfortable | $661/mo extra |
| North Carolina | $290,000 | ✅ Comfortable | $503/mo extra |
| Florida | $350,000 | ✅ Yes | $124/mo cushion |
| Virginia | $370,000 | ⚠️ Tight | -$2/mo |
| Minnesota | $310,000 | ✅ Yes | $377/mo extra |
| Colorado | $490,000 | ❌ Over budget | -$759/mo |
| New Jersey | $460,000 | ❌ Over budget | -$570/mo |
| Massachusetts | $570,000 | ❌ No | -$1,264/mo |
| California | $750,000 | ❌ No | -$2,400/mo |
Dual Income Advantage
| Household Income | Max Home Price (28%, 10% down) | Affordable States |
|---|---|---|
| $100K (single) | $400,000 | ~35 states |
| $150K (dual) | $575,000 | ~42 states |
| $200K (dual) | $750,000 | ~47 states |
Key Takeaways
- $100K buys a home in the $350K-$450K range — affordable in ~35 states
- Interest rates matter enormously — a 1% rate difference swings your buying power by $30K-$40K
- With 20% down ($90K), you avoid PMI and save $150-$200/month
- Dual income at $150K+ opens up nearly every market outside the coasts
- Use the mortgage affordability calculator to model your exact situation
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