Thinking about buying a $600,000 home? Before you start browsing listings, you’ll want to know if your income can support a mortgage that size. The income needed for a $600k mortgage depends on several key factors like your down payment, credit score, debt, and interest rate.
Whether you’re eyeing a suburban home in Denver, CO or a townhome in San Diego, CA, understanding how lenders evaluate affordability can help you set realistic expectations and make smarter financial decisions.
The short answer
- Most homebuyers will need to earn between $140,000 to $180,000 per year to afford a $600,000 home.
- Of course, that number can change based on your credit score, existing debt, and monthly expenses.
- This estimate assumes a 30-year fixed mortgage, average interest rates, and a moderate down payment.
What is the income needed for a $600k house?
Lenders typically suggest that your total monthly housing expenses – mortgage, taxes, insurance, and any HOA fees – stay under 28% to 31% of your gross monthly income. To stay within those limits, you’ll likely need to make between $11,700 and $15,000 per month or around $140K to $180K per year, depending on your financial profile. The key factors that affect this number include:
- Loan interest rate
- Down payment size
- Property taxes and insurance costs
- Your existing monthly debts
- Your credit score
Example scenario
Let’s assume the following:
- Home price: $600,000
- Down payment: 20% ($120,000)
- Loan: $480,000 with a 30-year term at 6.75% interest
- Monthly costs: ~$3,113 (includes mortgage, taxes, insurance)
Estimated monthly mortgage payment (principal + interest): ~$3,113
Total estimated monthly housing cost: $3,113 + $595 + $270 = $3,978
Based on this example, your gross monthly income should be around $14,200, or about $170,500 annually, to stay within the recommended affordability range.
Keep in mind that if you put down less than 20%, you’ll likely have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), which will increase your monthly costs—and if property taxes are higher, you’ll need an even higher income to qualify.
However, there are exceptions. VA loans, available to eligible veterans and active-duty service members, require no down payment and no PMI. Other options like FHA loans or certain first-time homebuyer programs allow down payments as low as 3%, though they may still include mortgage insurance and stricter debt limits.
Key factors that affect how much house you can afford
The income needed for a $600k mortgage depends on more than just your salary. Several personal and financial variables can influence how much house you can afford.
1. Down payment
The more you put down, the less you’ll need to borrow and the lower your monthly payments will be. A 20% down payment also avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI).
2. Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) compares your total monthly debt (like car payments, credit cards, or student loans) to your income. Lenders generally prefer a DTI below 36%, with housing costs no more than 28% of your gross income.
3. Interest rates
Even small rate changes can have a big impact. For instance, a $600,000 home at:
- A 6.5% rate could cost ~$3,037/month (P&I)
- A 7.0% rate could bump that to ~$3,195/month
That extra $158/month could push your qualifying income up by several thousand dollars per year. As of June 2025, the average 30-year fixed rate is around 7.4%, which is higher than rates seen in prior years.
4. Credit score
A higher credit score can help you secure a lower interest rate, which reduces your monthly payment and the income needed to qualify. Most lenders offer the best terms to buyers with scores above 740.
Read>> How To Buy A House With Bad Credit
5. Location and property taxes
Property taxes vary widely by region, and that changes how much income you’ll need.
For example, in Westchester County, NY or Cook County, IL, property taxes on a $600,000 home could exceed $9,000 per year. In places like Maricopa County, AZ or Bexar County, TX, taxes may be closer to $3,500 to $4,500 annually.
6. Other financial obligations
Child support, car loans, student loans, potential HOA fees, and personal loans are all part of your DTI. The more you owe elsewhere, the less you can afford in monthly mortgage payments even if your income is high.
What it takes to afford a $600,000 home: side-by-side scenarios
Here’s how income and payments might vary for different buyer types:
| Conservative Buyer | 20% ($120,000) | Excellent (760+) | 6.50% | $300 | ~$3,899 | ~$167,100 |
| Typical Buyer | 10% ($60,000) | Good (700–740) | 6.75% | $600 | ~$4,705 | ~$201,600 |
| Low Down Payment Buyer | 5% ($30,000) | Fair (660–680) | 7.00% | $900 | ~$5,013 (incl. PMI) | ~$214,800 |
Pro tip: Talking to a mortgage lender early on can help you estimate your affordability based on your financial situation—and may even unlock better rates or down payment assistance programs.
Tips to help you afford a $600k mortgage
Here are some practical steps to improve your buying power and keep monthly payments manageable:
- Boost your credit score: Pay bills on time, lower balances, and limit new credit applications.
- Reduce your debt: Paying down loans improves your DTI and borrowing power.
- Save for a larger down payment: This can lower your monthly cost and remove PMI.
- Shop around for lenders: Compare interest rates, fees, and pre-approval amounts.
- Use a co-borrower: Adding a partner’s income can help you qualify for more.
- Explore homebuyer assistance programs: Many states offer down payment or interest rate assistance for first-time home buyers.
- Get pre-approved early: Pre-approval gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
- Work with a real estate agent: An agent can help you stay on budget and negotiate better deals.
- Focus on savings: Building up your savings for a larger down payment can lower your monthly costs and make it easier to qualify for a $600k mortgage.
Read>> What You Need to Buy a House in 2025
FAQs: Your $600k mortgage questions answered
1. Can I afford a $600k mortgage on $150k income?
Possibly; especially if you have low debt and a strong credit score. But a larger down payment will help.
2. What if my DTI is 43%?
You may still qualify for a mortgage, but you could face stricter loan terms or higher interest rates. If you’re near the 43% threshold, consider reducing or consolidating debt before applying for a home loan.
3. What income do I need for a $600k house with 5% down?
You’ll likely need to earn around $180,000-$190,000 per year, assuming you have minimal debt.
4. Is location a big factor in affordability?
Yes. Property taxes and insurance costs vary significantly by state and county — and can raise or lower your required income.
5. What tools can help me calculate affordability?
Online mortgage calculators can estimate what you can afford based on your income, debts, rate, and down payment.
6. Where can I find $600,000 homes?
Use Redfin’s home search tool to explore listings in your target area. You can set price filters, view tax estimates, and get alerts for new listings or price drops.
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