Home Affordability Calculator

A common guideline is that your total monthly housing costs should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income (front-end DTI). For a household earning $100,000/year, that's roughly $2,333/month for mortgage, taxes, and insurance. However, your actual affordability depends on debts, down payment, and interest rates.

The income needed varies dramatically by location. In Denver metro, where median home prices hover around $550,000, you'd generally need a household income of $100,000–$130,000. In mountain communities like Vail or Aspen, where prices often exceed $1 million, income requirements are significantly higher.

Yes, our calculator factors in estimated property taxes, which vary by Colorado county. Mountain counties may have different tax rates than Front Range communities, and property tax amounts significantly impact your monthly payment and overall affordability.

Not necessarily. Your maximum qualification amount doesn't account for lifestyle expenses, savings goals, or unexpected costs. Most financial advisors recommend keeping housing costs well below the maximum to maintain financial flexibility—especially for mountain properties with higher maintenance costs.