In recent years, home prices have been increasing faster than rents in the U.S., making homeownership less attractive. After dropping significantly during the housing crisis, home prices not only recovered but rose by nearly 70% from the lowest levels. However, despite rising home values, in some parts of the country, renting is still more expensive than owning when comparing monthly rents to monthly mortgage payments.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the median monthly rent in the U.S. is $1,369, while the monthly mortgage payment on a median-price home at current interest rates is less than $900.

Housing and rental prices vary considerably on a geographic basis. When considering whether to buy or rent, the rent-to-price ratio can be a useful metric—calculated as median annual rent as a percentage of median home price in a given area. In locations with high rent-to-price ratios, it can be better to buy; whereas, in those with low rent-to-price ratios, it can be more cost effective to rent.

While the overall rent-to-price ratio in the U.S. is 6.26%, these ratios vary considerably across states and metropolitan areas. The West Coast tends to have lower rent-to-price ratios due to sky-high home values and relatively more affordable rents. Rent-to-price ratios are higher in Southern states, which generally have below-average home values. At 9.96%, West Virginia has the highest rent-to-price ratio, meaning it is the most favorable state on average for home buyers and investors looking to acquire rental properties. Median monthly rents in West Virginia are about 2.5-times higher than the mortgage payment on a median-price home. Renters, on the other hand, are better off in Idaho which boasts a rent-to-price ratio of 3.84%.

To find the states with the highest rent-to-price ratio, researchers at Roofstock analyzed the latest data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Zillow. The researchers ranked states according to the ratio of annual median rent to median home prices. Researchers also calculated the median monthly rent, median home price, and the monthly mortgage payment for a median-price home.

The analysis found that the rent-to-price ratio in Georgia is 6.61%, suggesting a more attractive housing environment for home-buyers than renters. Out of all U.S. states, Georgia has the 13th highest rent-to-price ratio. Here is a summary of the data for Georgia:

• Rent-to-price ratio: 6.61%

• Median monthly rent: $1,191

• Median home price: $216,314

• Monthly mortgage payment for a median-price home: $704

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• Rent-to-price ratio: 6.26%

• Median monthly rent: $1,369

• Median home price: $262,604

• Monthly mortgage payment for a median-price home: $854

For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Roofstock’s website: https://learn.roofstock.com/blog/cities-highest-rent-to-price