The average mortgage payment is about $1,500 per month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, coming in at about the same amount as the cost of renting (the average cost to rent was $1,476 in October).
Mortgage payments have decreased about 3% since mid-2018. They’re expected to get even lower this year, possibly 3.3% to 5.9% below this year, The Mortgage Reports notes.
The trend is occurring even as home prices rise. Mortgage rates, currently at around three-year lows, are helping more homeowners see a decrease in their monthly mortgage payments.
Census Bureau data shows that mortgage payments can vary quite a bit by location. For example, the Pacific region of the U.S., which faces some of the highest home prices, has an average mortgage payment of $2,096. On the other hand, the East South Central area has the lowest average for a mortgage, at $1,140.
This table from The Mortgage Reports shows the breakdown:
Reach out to your lender and a local real estate professional to discuss the homebuying process, to be sure your plan includes budgeting for what you need to purchase your dream home – without any surprises!
Source: “The Average Mortgage Payment Is Declining. Here’s Why,” The Mortgage Reports (Jan. 21, 2020)
