How these payments are calculated
The monthly principal and interest payment is M = P × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)−n), where P is the loan amount, r the monthly rate (annual rate ÷ 12) and n the number of payments (360 for 30 years, 180 for 15). Property tax and insurance are added to estimate PITI; with less than 20% down add PMI, and add HOA dues if any.
FAQ
What is the average 30-year mortgage rate right now?
Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.24% and the 15-year at 6.60% for the week of October 29, 2026, down from 7.32% the prior week but above 6.17% a year earlier.
What is the payment on a $300,000 mortgage?
About $2,044 a month in principal and interest on a 30-year loan at 7.24%, or roughly $2,520 with estimated property tax and insurance.
How much income do I need for a $400,000 mortgage?
About $144,016 a year under the 28% housing rule, based on an estimated $3,360 monthly payment including tax and insurance at 7.24%.
What is PITI?
PITI stands for principal, interest, property taxes and insurance — the full monthly housing payment most lenders use to measure affordability. These pages estimate tax at 0.9% of the home price and insurance from the 2026 national average.
Sources
- Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, October 29, 2026.
- ATTOM 2025 property tax analysis — 0.9% national effective rate on single-family homes.
- NerdWallet average homeowners insurance cost, 2026 ($2,490/yr for $400,000 dwelling).