Looking at a newlyweds scenario based on household income and what they can afford to spend on housing will provide additional clarity on how much to spend on a mortgage. Looking at a specific scenario of gross income equaling $60k 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 consider buying a home with an ADU, guest house, casita or FROG and then renting it as a vacation rental in order to prevent having too high of a mortgage in relation to your income.