08/21/2026
Rent has a way of changing your budget over time.
According to the information in this graphic, rent grew at an average annual rate of 5.6% from 2020–2026.
That matters because renters have to plan for the possibility that their housing costs may continue changing. With a fixed-rate mortgage, however, your principal and interest payment is generally fixed for the life of the loan, although taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and other costs can change.
🏡 That’s one reason it can be helpful to compare your current rent with what homeownership could realistically look like for your budget.
You don't have to figure it out alone. NAF can help you understand mortgage options, estimated payments, down payment requirements, and the steps toward becoming a homeowner.
💬 Curious what buying could look like compared with your current rent? Let’s run the numbers.