Looking at a scenario of a family purchasing a home based on a 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 $80k 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 attached unit like a duplex to prevent having too high of a mortgage in relation to your income.