Real Home Costs Calculator
A True Affordability Calculator
An honest affordability estimate for expensive markets — includes taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities.
We don’t store your inputs. Estimates only — not financial advice.
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Example: $750,000 Home in a High-Cost Market
With 20% down and a 6.5% rate, a $750,000 home may look affordable on a lender calculator. But after property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities, the true monthly cost can exceed $5,000 per month.
That could represent 35–40% of gross income for many buyers — entering “house poor” territory.
Run your own numbers above to see how your scenario compares.
Why most affordability calculators are wrong
Traditional mortgage calculators only show principal and interest. Real home affordability includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance reserves, utilities, and HOA costs.
In expensive markets like Boston, NYC, and San Francisco, these overlooked costs can push buyers into “house poor” territory — spending over 35% of gross income on housing.
This calculator is designed specifically for high-cost markets to give a more realistic monthly ownership estimate.