Include Transportation Costs to Measure True AffordabilityHousing affordability is typically measured by the 30% rule: monthly housing costs should not exceed 30% of a household’s gross income. Housing costs usually include mortgage payments, property taxes, HOA fees (if applicable), home insurance, and sometimes utilities. However, when you combine housing costs with transportation costs, the number of neighborhoods that fall within affordable parameters drops by more than half, according to the CNT. For example, “Driving a pickup truck for a long commute may cost you thousands and thousands of dollars more than a more economical choice. This can reduce transportation costs for the homeowner and boost resale value.