Learn languages naturally with fresh, real content!

tap to translate recording

Explore By Region

flag In California, buying a home is now often more expensive than renting due to high prices and interest rates.

flag Homeownership in California is no longer a guaranteed financial advantage due to record-high home prices and interest rates. flag With a median home price of $852,680—nearly double the national average—and monthly mortgage payments often between $4,000 and $6,000, buying is now far more expensive than renting in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County, where ownership costs are three to four times higher than rent. flag Historically, owning outperformed renting financially, but stagnant rent growth, elevated borrowing costs, and uncertain home price appreciation have reversed that trend. flag Experts say the financial math now favors renting in many cases unless home values rise sharply. flag With only a small fraction of renters able to afford homeownership without spending over 40% of income on housing, California’s 55% homeownership rate—the second lowest in the U.S.—reflects affordability constraints, not preference.

12 Articles

Further Reading