People can get into owning a house if they know exactly what they are up against budget wise. There is no per hour magic number. It depends on the town, the size of the house, etc.

Firstly, try to make a budget based on your NET income. Figure out what you are comfortable with to pay for your monthly bills. Electricity is the worst utility bill. It will only go up, so be prepared.

Add all the fixed expenses for the house and the varied ones.

Fixed= mortgage

Varied= Taxes (go up every year in my town), Electricity, Heating, Cable, Internet, cell phone, Insurance, maintenance....give yourself a lot of leeway. IF you're "handy" with repairs, you will save A LOT on owning a house. If you're not, you better have some $ saved up for unforeseen repairs. You need to paint things, replace things ( doors, roof, electrical, plumbing) repair faucets, shower heads, things that just come undone over the years, keep up the yard or pay for it.

I've owned a few houses. My first one was at 23 yo. I had to get roommates when I was single. With roommates you save a little but NOT 1/2. Then as bills go up, you need to increase their rent. Bottom Line: Invest in a house in a good location, and keep the Mill Rate for Taxes in m ind. People are not as crazy to buy in a town with high taxes, or a crime ridden town. Over the years the smaller homes, under 1500 sqft have done better weathering Recessions and other market issues. Meaning they go up in value, don't cost much to heat or air condition, and most people can afford them.