- Best Housing Markets for First-Time Homebuyers – 2024 Study
First-time homebuyers who have just reached the threshold for a down payment can face steep competition from seasoned homeowners with established equity. And as the cost of living increases, some of these first-time hopefuls could be squeezed out of more expensive areas. With this in mind, SmartAsset examined the current state of the housing market… read more…
- Cities Where Rent Increased Most – 2024 Study
Rent is a top expense for many Americans, so increases may disproportionately affect their budget. Between February 2023 and 2024, inflation as a whole went up by 3.15%. While the average rent increase in U.S. major cities was at parity with inflation, some cities saw rent increase as high as 8.0% – and others actually… read more…
- Here’s the Income It Takes to Live Comfortably in Each U.S. State – 2024 Study
Outside of the big cities, life can be cheaper for many Americans. Though, after years of high inflation, cost increases have affected almost everyone. If you aspire to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, the 50/30/20 budget rule recommends spending approximately 50% of your income on basic needs like food and housing, 30% on wants and putting… read more…
- What a Roommate Can Save You in 100 U.S. Cities – 2024 Study
For many people, housing is the biggest cost in their budget, and sharing expenses with a roommate can help them save money. But, with housing costs varying widely nationwide, how much could you save by sharing a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate instead of renting a one-bedroom alone? To answer this question, SmartAsset evaluated median… read more…