How much income do you need to buy a house?

Updated November 12, 2026

There is no single number. What you can buy depends on your income, your monthly debts, your savings and the county you choose.

Many renters count themselves out

In a 2026 survey by Neighbors Bank, 57 percent of middle income renters said owning a home feels out of reach, and 44 percent said they could not afford a home even though they earn more than their parents did at the same age. A feeling is not a number. The only way to know is to run yours.

How a lender looks at income

Lenders compare your monthly debt payments, including the new house payment, with your monthly income. A car loan, student loans and card payments all count. Two households with the same income can qualify for different prices because their debts differ.

Savings matter too. A larger down payment lowers the loan, and Tennessee down payment help can add to what you have saved if your income is under THDA's limit for your county. See the limits.

See your own range

Enter your income and monthly debts in the calculator. It shows a price range and what would raise it, such as clearing a debt or saving more. Open the calculator.

Source: Neighbors Bank survey, reported by ABA Banking Journal, September 4, 2026. Estimates only, not a loan offer.