How much income do I realistically need to afford a home in a high-cost city?

In expensive metros, the traditional guideline of housing costs staying near 28% of gross income often breaks down, and buyers stretch to 35% to 40% or rely on two incomes. A rough estimate: to afford a $700,000 home at 2026 rates with 10% down, you'd generally want household income well into the $150,000 to $180,000 range depending on taxes, HOA, and other debts. Strategies that help include a larger down payment, buying a smaller starter place, house hacking with a rental unit, or looking at emerging neighborhoods. Don't let the local norm push you past a payment you can actually sustain. Model your specific city's taxes and insurance at wealthserene.com/tools/home-affordability.