News Summary
A recent study by Zillow reveals that renters in Los Angeles and Orange counties are saving significantly compared to homeowners. The average rent for a single-family home is about $4,462, while the typical mortgage payment on a home is around $6,315. This results in renters saving roughly $1,853 each month. As homebuying activity declines amid rising mortgage rates, these savings could amount to over $105,000 in five years. Economic pressures are impacting both renters and buyers as legislative efforts continue to address affordability issues in the housing market.
Los Angeles – Renters in Los Angeles and Orange counties are enjoying significant savings compared to the costs of homeownership, according to a recent study by Zillow. The study reveals that the financial benefits of renting single-family homes in this area make it the fourth-largest savings region in the nation, attracting attention amidst a slowdown in home sales.
The average monthly rent for a single-family home in Los Angeles and Orange counties stands at approximately $4,462, making it the second-highest rent out of 50 large metropolitan areas analyzed. In stark contrast, purchasing a typical home priced at $966,700 leads to a hefty monthly mortgage payment of around $6,315, placing it as the third-highest in the country. This disparity allows renters to save about $1,853 each month.
Over a five-year period, these monthly savings could accumulate substantially, assuming a 3% annual increase in rental prices. Estimates indicate that renters could save roughly $105,000 compared to homebuyers over that time frame. The challenge is compounded by the upfront costs associated with buying a home, which include a 10% down payment. In this region, a down payment equates to about $96,700, posing a considerable financial barrier for many aspiring homeowners.
Additionally, while the potential for home appreciation exists—estimated at about $154,000 if prices increase at 3% annually over five years—the persistent cash-flow gap between rent and mortgage payments is contributing to a slow pace of home buying in the area.
Rental Savings Compared to Other California Markets
Renters in California’s other major markets also experience significant savings when it comes to renting versus buying. For instance, households in San Jose can save approximately $350,000 over five years, while San Francisco offers about $198,000 in savings. San Diego and Sacramento follow with savings of $111,000 and $58,000, respectively. The Inland Empire region reports around $43,000 in savings. Nationally, however, the average renter only sees savings of about $5,000 over the same five years.
Declining Homebuying Activity
Homebuying in Los Angeles County has sharply declined since the Federal Reserve began its aggressive measures to mitigate inflation in 2022. As of March 2025, just 4,896 home sales were reported, marking a 33% drop from the 20-year average for that month. Despite the average home price in the county remaining high at $900,000, rising mortgage rates, which are currently around 6.7%, have further dampened purchasing activity.
Only 13% of households were able to qualify for home purchases in the first quarter of 2025, a stark decline from 28% six years ago. Legislative efforts at both state and federal levels are looking to address the situation by limiting corporate purchases of single-family homes. Nevertheless, no significant measures have been enacted to date, and construction permits for new single-family homes remain low, exacerbating an ongoing housing shortage.
Economic Factors Impacting Renters and Homebuyers
The persistent economic pressures—including high business costs and a soaring cost of living—continue to impact both renters and prospective homeowners. Rent concessions have become more common in areas like Koreatown and downtown Los Angeles, highlighting the challenges surrounding affordability. Increased rental vacancy rates in Los Angeles County further indicate changing dynamics within the housing market, while a surge in active listings across California suggests a notable inventory buildup, reminiscent of past housing downturns.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Discover the Staycation Paradise of Orange County
California Renters Call It Home Longer as Housing Market Tightens
From Ashes to Hope: Altadena Business Owners’ Recovery Journey
Pending Home Sales Take a Hit in California
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Rent vs Buy in LA & Orange County
- US News: Los Angeles & Orange County Housing Market Forecast
- Pasadena Now: Home Prices Rise in LA Metro Area
- LA Times: Housing Tracker for March
- Daily News: LA Homebuying Slumps 25%
- Wikipedia: Real Estate in the United States
- Google Search: California Housing Market
- Google Scholar: Housing Economics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Google News: Los Angeles Housing Market
