Key Takeaways An affordable home means you're not living paycheck to paycheck. Your home shouldn't strain your finances. There are two popular housing affordability rules: the 30% rule and the 28/36 rule. You can also check whether your housing payment passes the cash-flow test, the shock test, and the stress test. Are you wondering whether you can actually afford your home? Well, you aren't alone. Maybe you can pay your mortgage or rent and cover basic expenses—but that's it. Saving feels impossib ...