To afford a median-priced home in the United States as of April 2026, you generally need an annual household income of approximately .
While there is no fixed minimum salary required by law, lenders use your income to determine your borrowing power based on debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. Key Financial Benchmarks for 2026 what income do you need to buy a house
: A 20% down payment eliminates private mortgage insurance (PMI), lowering your monthly payment and the income required to qualify. Small down payments (3.5%–5%) increase your monthly costs and required income. To afford a median-priced home in the United