Monthly Homeownership Costs Reach Record High

The median monthly outlay for U.S. homeowners carrying mortgages climbed 3.5% year over year, surpassing $2,100 and setting a record, according to figures from the Census Bureau and HUD. Almost 30% of homeowners devoted 30% or more of their income to housing.

Other measures point to a subdued housing market. September's newly built single-family dwelling sales totaled 676,000 at an annualized, seasonally adjusted pace, 0.6% below August and 5.3% under September 2025.

In August, sellers outnumbered buyers by 58%, the widest gap in more than a decade. The median listing price this summer was 2.4% lower than in July 2025.

Homeowners also faced rising insurance costs. Insurance expenses increased 8.6% last year, making them one of the fastest-growing costs for homeowners.