Quick answer: On a $75,000 Utah salary with minimal debt, most buyers afford roughly $300,000–$350,000 (28% front-end DTI, 30-year fixed, ~6.5% rate). With down payment assistance, that buying power often jumps $40,000–$80,000 because you need less cash at closing.
Use our free Utah affordability calculator for your exact numbers — this guide explains the rules behind the math.
Utah affordability by income (2026 estimates)
Assumptions: 30-year fixed ~6.5%, Utah property tax ~0.58%, insurance ~$1,200/yr, minimal monthly debt, 3.5% FHA down payment. With DPA covering down payment + closing costs, cash needed at closing drops dramatically.
| Gross annual income | Est. max home price | Est. monthly PITI |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $240,000 – $280,000 | ~$1,400 – $1,650 |
| $75,000 | $300,000 – $350,000 | ~$1,750 – $2,050 |
| $90,000 | $360,000 – $420,000 | ~$2,100 – $2,450 |
| $100,000 | $400,000 – $470,000 | ~$2,350 – $2,750 |
| $120,000 | $480,000 – $560,000 | ~$2,800 – $3,300 |
These are starting points. Student loans, car payments, and credit card minimums reduce your max price. Run your numbers here.
What lenders actually use: DTI ratios
Front-end DTI = housing payment ÷ gross monthly income. Target: 28% or below (some programs allow higher).
Back-end DTI = all monthly debts + housing ÷ gross income. Target: 43% or below for conventional; FHA and VA often allow higher with compensating factors.
Example: $75,000/year = $6,250/month gross. At 28% front-end, max housing payment ≈ $1,750/month (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, MI).
Utah-specific factors that help affordability
- Low property taxes: Utah's effective rate (~0.58%) is well below the national average — your PITI is lower than coastal states at the same price.
- Down payment assistance: Less cash at closing means you can buy sooner and sometimes qualify for a higher price with the same income.
- FHA flexibility: Higher DTI allowances and 580+ credit paths for first-time buyers.
- USDA zero down: Eligible addresses in smaller towns and rural areas, like much of Box Elder, Cache, and Tooele counties, eliminate down payment entirely.
How DPA stretches buying power
Affordability calculators assume you bring 3.5–20% to closing. DPA changes that:
- A buyer who can afford $320,000 with $11,000 down might afford the same home with $500 out of pocket when FHLB HELP ($20K) + city grant ($10K) cover costs.
- That same buyer can redirect saved cash toward paying off debt — lowering DTI and unlocking a higher purchase price on the next try.
See Davis County stacking example and zero-down paths in Utah.
Should you max out your approval amount?
Not always. Many advisors suggest keeping housing under 25% of take-home pay (not gross) for comfort. A lender may approve $400,000 while $340,000 fits your lifestyle and savings goals better.
County-by-county price context (2026)
- Davis County (Layton, Clearfield, Kaysville): Median homes often $380K–$450K — DPA-heavy market
- Weber County (Ogden, Roy): Often $320K–$400K, and Ogden buyers can add Own in Ogden
- Salt Lake County: Wide range $350K–$550K+ depending on city
- Utah County (Provo, Lehi): $400K–$500K — Utah County Loan-to-Own and Provo programs
Tools and next steps
- Utah affordability calculator — income, debts, down payment
- Mortgage payment calculator — PITI for a specific price
- First-time buyer calculator — DPA scenarios
- Utah first-time buyer hub
- Book a free affordability review — no credit pull
Estimates only, not a pre-approval or commitment to lend.