Real Estate Agents Predict Which Cities Will Be Cheaper To Rent Than Buy in 2026

Core Insights - Economic factors such as mortgage rate drops and lower home prices may not sufficiently enhance affordability in certain cities, leading to a continued preference for renting over buying [1] Group 1: Housing Affordability - Real estate experts predict that in some cities, renting will remain cheaper than buying a home by 2026 [2] - The Total Monthly Housing Cost (TMOC) is a crucial metric that includes principal and interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA maintenance, which provides a more comprehensive view of housing costs [3] - In markets where TMOC exceeds twice the median rent, renting is financially smarter for those not planning to occupy the home long-term [4] Group 2: Case Studies - In San Jose, California, the median home price is projected to remain around $1.45 million, while the median rent for a three-bedroom unit is approximately $3,300, resulting in a price-to-rent ratio of 36.6 [5] - The TMOC in San Jose, with a 10% down payment and a fixed 6.5% interest rate, exceeds $10,000 per month, creating a cash flow gap of $7,000 compared to renting [6] - In Miami, the condo market reflects a similar trend where insurance and assessment costs significantly inflate the total cost of ownership, making renting a more viable option [7][8]