How much would a $50,000 home equity loan cost per month? (2024)

The last 18 months have been tough on prospective homebuyers. Not only have for-sale home inventory levels stayed low, but home prices have continued to increase due, in large part, to steady demand. And, thanks to 11 recent Fed rate hikes, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage loan is now above 7.5% — over double what borrowers were being offered in 2020 and 2021.

In other words, it costs a lot more to buy a home right now than it did two years ago.

But there is one bright spot that has emerged from the unusual housing market environment. Due to the increase in home prices, the average homeowner now has about $200,000 in tappable home equity, which can be used for a range of purposes, like home improvements, debt consolidation or unexpected expenses.

If you're considering a home equity loan, though, it's crucial to understand how much it will cost you each month so you can determine if it fits into your finances. Below, we'll break down what you can expect to pay on a monthly basis for a $50,000 home equity loan based on today's average rates.

Explore the home equity loan rates you could qualify for here.

How much would a $50,000 home equity loan cost per month?

You have a few different options when it comes to home equity loans, including 10- and 15-year loan terms. So, for these examples, we'll explore the monthly costs associated with three different loan options: a 10-year fixed home equity loan, a 15-year fixed home equity loan and a 10-year home equity line of credit (HELOC).

The formula for calculating the monthly cost of a home equity loan stays the same across the board. You can use this formula to calculate the approximate monthly costs of nearly any home equity loan type and amount:

Formula: Monthly payment = P * [r(1 + r)^n] / [(1 + r)^n – 1]

• P = Principal amount ($50,000)
• r = Monthly interest rate (Annual rate / 12 months / 100)
• n = Number of monthly payments (Loan term in years * 12)

Find out today's top home equity loan rates here.

Example 1: 10-Year fixed home equity loan at 8.75%

A 10-year fixed home equity loan offers a fixed interest rate. This means your monthly payments will remain the same throughout the life of the loan unless you refinance to a lower rate.

Calculating the monthly cost for a $50,000 loan at an interest rate of 8.75%, which is the average rate for a 10-year fixed home equity loan as of September 25, 2023, the monthly payment would be $626.63.

And because the rate is fixed, this monthly payment would stay the same throughout the life of the loan.

Example 2: 15-year fixed home equity loan at 8.73%

Now, let's consider a 15-year fixed home equity loan with an interest rate of 8.73%, which is the current average rate for this type of home equity loan. Using the same formula as above, we can calculate the monthly payment. Your monthly payment would be approximately $499.13. And, as with the 10-year home equity loan, this monthly payment would stay the same throughout the life of the loan.

Example 3: 10-Year HELOC at 9.10%

A HELOC is a type of home equity loan that functions like a line of credit rather than a lump-sum loan. This type of home equity loan typically comes with a variable interest rate, but for this example, we'll assume that the rate does not change over the life of the HELOC and that you used the full $50,000 credit line.

Let's calculate the monthly cost for the 10-year HELOC at an interest rate of 9.10% — which is the current average rate. Just keep in mind that the interest rate can fluctuate during the loan term, which may affect your monthly payments.

With a 10-year HELOC at 9.10%, your initial monthly payment would be approximately $636.09. However, keep in mind that this rate can change over time based on market conditions, which would directly impact the amount of your monthly payments.

The bottom line

Before taking out a $50,000 home equity loan or HELOC, it's essential to understand the monthly costs associated with each option. Fixed-rate home equity loans provide predictable payments, while HELOCs offer flexibility but come with variable interest rates that may change. Before making a decision, it can help to consider your financial goals, risk tolerance and budget to find the right loan — and term — with a monthly payment that fits your budget and needs.