How Much House Can I Afford on $300,000 a Year?

At $300,000 annual income, the 28/36 rule with 20% down supports homes approaching $1.2M. Your gross monthly income of $25,000 allows a maximum housing payment of $7,500/month (30% DTI). At this price range, you're well into jumbo loan territory and accessing the premium tier of most US housing markets.

With $300K income, premium real estate becomes fully accessible across the country. In San Francisco, this gets you into entry-level condos ($850,000–$1.1M) in desirable neighborhoods. In Manhattan, pre-war co-ops and newer condos in popular neighborhoods. In Seattle's Eastside, primary family neighborhoods (Bellevue, Kirkland) at $900,000–$1.2M. In Boston's inner suburbs, quality family homes in communities like Newton, Lexington, and Concord.

Jumbo loan strategy at $300K income: with a $1.2M home at 20% down, your loan is $960,000. Jumbo lenders typically require 720+ credit score, 6–12 months of cash reserves, and thorough income documentation. Rates on jumbos can be competitive — sometimes within 0.125%–0.25% of conforming rates — and some lenders offer portfolio products with features standard loans don't have.

At $300K gross income, your after-tax take-home (in a moderate-tax state) is approximately $185,000–$210,000/year. Spending $90,000/year (30% of gross) on housing consumes nearly half of net income. Most wealth management advisors working with high earners advocate keeping housing at 15%–20% of gross ($45,000–$60,000/year = $3,750–$5,000/month), which corresponds to a $600,000–$800,000 home. This leaves substantially more for taxable investments and retirement.