Looking at the average beginning salary for a college graduate and how that relates to what you can afford is an important step in life. Looking at a specific scenario of gross income equaling $48k and then showing what typically will reduce that income providing you with your actual take-home pay, will help you determine what you can spend. Looking at typical percentages of mortgage debt, it may be best to house hack or work to increase your income in order to hit the right percentage without having too high of a percentage going to housing.