1. You can usually hit a 43% DTI ratio before the banks will start cutting you off of financing. I trust that they know what is affordable and what isn't. 2. I

1. You can usually hit a 43% DTI ratio before the banks will start cutting you off of financing. I trust that they know what is affordable and what isn't. 2. It feels acceptable to spend a larger percentage of your income on a new mortgage. That mortgage will stay constant as rents rise around you. That mortgage will stay constant as your household income hopefully increases as you advance in your career. 3. Personally I've never spent more than 22% of my income on housing.