Realtor.com® July Rent Report: Renting a Starter Home Costs Less Than Buying in All 50 Largest U.S. Metros, but the Gap Is Narrowing

Median asking rent in the largest 50 metros falls for the 36th consecutive month; falling starter-home prices and wage gains improve buying conditions in seven markets AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Renting a starter home remains less expensive than buying in all 50 of the...