For most of us, the decision to buy or rent is based on affordability. Whichever option is most comfortably affordable is the one we’ll choose. But which one is most affordable depends a lot on where you look. That’s why ATTOM Data Solutions’ 2025 Rental Affordability Report looks at 341 county-level housing markets to determine how much of an average American worker’s pay is required to rent vs. buy a three-bedroom property. The results show that both options are expensive these days but, in 60 percent of analyzed markets, buying was more affordable than renting. Rob Barber, ATTOM’s CEO, says homeownership is the more affordable choice but down payments can be an obstacle. “In most parts of the country, homeownership is somewhat more attainable for those who can gather the necessary resources to cover down payments that often surpass $200,000,” Barber said. Regionally, the Midwest is the most affordable place to buy, with 80 percent of counties requiring a smaller portion of average wages than renting. (source)
