10/19/2026
You can afford the mortgage and still struggle to afford the house.
Imagine budgeting around a $3,000 monthly mortgage, thinking you can finally make homeownership work. Then property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and HOA fees push your total housing cost to $4,000 a month.
That’s $48,000 a year just to keep a roof over your family’s head — before unexpected repairs or other household expenses.
For many Americans, owning a home is supposed to bring security and peace of mind. But when every extra expense eats into your paycheck, that dream can start to feel like another financial burden.
Buying a home is one thing. Being able to comfortably afford it for the next 30 years is another.
Do you think homeownership is still worth it at these costs, or has it become too expensive for the average American?