Cities where buying is better than renting

Out of the 343 cities analyzed, 32 locations were found to be more affordable for buyers than renters. These locations are primarily concentrated in Southern states like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, as well as Rust Belt regions like Ohio and Michigan. Not CA, NY or IL ;-)

A 2025 Rental Affordability Report, released in February by the real estate analytics firm ATTOM, showed that both owning and renting remain a challenge for average American workers, eating up between 25 to 60% of their wages.

Just some places to look for cash flowing properties

1. (Premium/discount of buying vs. renting)
   
2. Detroit, Michigan: -60.1% 
3. Jackson, Mississippi: -59.8%
4. Cleveland, Ohio: -39.3%
5. Birmingham, Alabama: -36.3%
6. Montgomery, Alabama: -31.1%
7. Baltimore, Maryland: -23.6%
8. Memphis, Tennessee: -20.8%
9. Shreveport, Louisiana: -20.2%
10. Toledo, Ohio: -19.4%
11. Akron, Ohio: -16.9%
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: -16.4%
13. Columbus, Georgia: -13.2%
14. Augusta, Georgia: -13%
15. Peoria, Illinois: -12.6%
16. Beaumont, Texas: -12.5%
17. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: -12.3%
18. Hartford, Connecticut: -12.2%
19. Dayton, Ohio: -10.3%
20. St. Louis, Missouri: -10.2%
21. Brownsville, Texas: -9.1%
22. Macon-Bill County, Georgia: -8.6%
23. New Orleans, Louisiana: -7.8%
24. Mobile, Alabama: -7.5%
25. South Bend, Indiana: -7.4%
26. Waco, Texas: -7%
27. Dearborn, Michigan: -4.8%
28. Syracuse, New York: -4.7%
29. Columbia, South Carolina: -3.9%
30. Lansing, Michigan: -2.8%
31. Pompano Beach, Florida: -2.2%
32. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: -1.6%
33. Lehigh Acres, Florida: -1.2%