Rents have increased significantly this year. The latest
National Rent Report from
Apartmentlist.com shows rents are rising at a rate much higher than the three years leading up to the pandemic:
“Since January of this year, the national median rent has increased by a staggering 16.4 percent. To put that in context, rent growth from January to September averaged just 3.4 percent in the pre-pandemic years from 2017-2019.”
Looking back, we can see rents rising isn’t new. The median rental price has
increased consistently over the past 33 years
(see graph below):
If you’re thinking of
renting for another year, consider that rents will likely be even higher next year. But that alone doesn’t paint the picture of the true
cost of renting.
The Money Renters Stand To Lose This Year
A homeowner’s monthly mortgage payment pays for their shelter, but it also acts as an investment. That investment grows in the form of
equity as a homeowner makes their mortgage payment each month to pay down what they owe on their home loan. Their equity gets an additional boost from home
price appreciation, which is at near-record levels this year.
“. . . the average homeowner gained approximately $51,500 in equity during the past year.”
As a renter, you don’t get the same benefit. Your rent payment only covers the cost of shelter and any included amenities. None of your monthly rent payments come back to you as an investment. That means, by renting this year, you likely paid more in rent than you did in the previous year, and you also missed out on the potential wealth gain of $51,500 you could have had by owning your own home.
When deciding whether you should rent or buy in the future, keep in mind how much renting can cost you. Another year of renting is another year you’ll pay rising rents and miss out on building your wealth through home equity.
