> $36k => $3k/month mortgage That seems high. On a $1m house my mortgage is $3k (my interest rate is ~1.3% on a 35 year, but even at normal US rates/time perio

> $36k => $3k/month mortgage That seems high. On a $1m house my mortgage is $3k (my interest rate is ~1.3% on a 35 year, but even at normal US rates/time periods $3k a month seems high). > $6k => $500/month for insurance, internet, gas, electric Most renters also pay these expenses. The insurance for most folks is probably the highest part, but my insurance isn't much more expensive than renters insurance was. > carpet/flooring (carpet is considered a 7 year wear item) Ongoing cost alone is a good reason to not have carpet. Carpet is also really awful for the environment. This is one of the places where it makes a lot of sense to pay for hardwood and ceramic tile upfront. 10% yearly would be much higher than my expected. Like the op, my expectation is closer to 3%.