For decades, homebuyers were told one thing: Don't spend more than 30% of your income on housing.
It was the gold standard. The budget benchmark. The line between "comfortable" and "stretched too thin."
But in 2025, that line no longer holds up.
According to Realtor.com®, the typical U.S. household now needs to spend 44.6% of their income to buy a median-priced home. And in some cities, that number jumps to 100% or more. Even here in Tampa Bay, we're feeling the pressure. Rising home prices, high insurance premiums, and elevated interest rates have all shifted what "affordable" really means.
So if you're staring down housing costs and wondering why the math doesn't make sense anymore—you're not alone.