How Much House Can I Afford in Utah?

How Much House Can I Afford in Utah?

Start with What Feels Right—Not Just What You Qualify For

If you're buying a home in Utah, you've probably asked yourself:
“How much house can I actually afford?”

Lenders will give you a number—but here’s the thing: the amount you qualify for and the amount you’re comfortable spending every month are often two very different things.

Let’s walk through how to figure out your number—the one that fits your life, your goals, and your peace of mind.

Comfort Zone vs. Qualifying Zone

A lender can calculate what you’re eligible for based on your debt-to-income ratio—but what they don’t always talk about is your comfort zone.

You might qualify for a $3,500/month payment…
But that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

I always tell clients: “Just because the lender says yes doesn’t mean you have to go all in.” Let’s find the number that feels right, not just what fits on paper.

(Need help understanding debt ratios? I broke it all down in this post on debt-to-income ratio's if you want to dig into the details.)

Start with Your Ideal Monthly Payment

Here’s a better question to ask yourself:

“What monthly payment would I feel good about—even when life gets busy or unexpected stuff pops up?”

That’s your real affordability number. Not the bank’s version. Yours.

Think about your full budget—groceries, gas, savings, kids' stuff, random Target trips. This is about buying a home and keeping a life you enjoy.

Real Utah Example: Comfort vs Max

Let’s say your gross monthly income is about $8,500.

You’re eyeing a home around $500,000, and the monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) is around $2,900/month.

That payment might be totally doable—and the lender may even say you could go higher.
But if you’d rather stay closer to $2,400–$2,500/month, that’s still a smart move.

That could mean adjusting your purchase price slightly—and that’s totally okay. I’ve helped plenty of buyers do exactly that and never look back.

What’s Actually in That Payment?

Your full monthly mortgage usually includes:

• Principal & Interest

• Property Taxes

• Homeowners Insurance

• PMI (if putting less than 20% down)

• HOA Dues (if applicable)

Make sure you're looking at the total monthly cost—not just the base loan amount.

3 Questions to Help You Find Your Number:

1. What mortgage payment would feel manageable, not maxed out?

2. Do I want room in my budget for fun, savings, or future goals?

3. Would I feel better with a little more house—or a little more breathing room?

There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s about what matters most to you.

Final Thought

At the end of the day, this is about way more than math. It’s about how you want to feel in your new home.

If you’re not sure where your comfort zone is, I’ll walk through the numbers with you. No pressure, no sales pitch—just honest info to help you feel confident.

And if you’re not working with a lender yet, I’d be happy to introduce you to someone I trust—someone who takes the time to explain things clearly and help you feel taken care of.