U.S. Housing Cost Data
The 2025 American Community Survey estimates median selected monthly owner costs of $2,163 for homeowners with a mortgage and median gross rent of $1,557 for renters. The median owner-cost share for mortgaged homeowners was 21.9% of household income. These are different measures; gross rent includes certain renter-paid utilities, while selected owner costs include more than mortgage principal and interest.
1. Median monthly owner costs with a mortgage were $2,163
In 2025, Census Table B25088 estimates a national median of $2,163 per month for owner-occupied homes with a mortgage, compared with $2,035 in 2024. For owners without a mortgage, the 2025 median selected monthly cost was $703.
The 2025 all-owner median was $1,457, but the with-mortgage versus without-mortgage split is more informative because financing changes household monthly costs substantially.
2. Median gross rent was $1,557
The 2025 ACS median gross rent was $1,557, compared with $1,487 in 2024. These are nominal estimates from different survey years, not an inflation-adjusted rent growth calculation.
Gross rent includes contract rent plus estimated average monthly costs of utilities and fuels when those are paid by the renter, which makes it broader than the number shown on a lease.
3. Compare housing-cost shares by year and tenure
The 2024 ACS reported a median gross-rent share of 31% of household income. That figure remains a labeled 2024 comparison in this article; it should not be presented as the unverified 2025 renter-share estimate.
For homeowners with a mortgage, the 2025 median selected monthly owner-cost share was 21.9% of household income under Table B25092, compared with 21.4% in the 2024 ACS.
4. Millions of households spend more than 30% of income on housing
Table B25140 counted 14.3 million mortgaged owner households with housing costs over 30% of income and 21.3 million renter households above that threshold.
Relative to the table totals, that is roughly 27.7% of mortgaged owners and 46.2% of renters. These are survey estimates, not a statement that every household above the threshold has the same financial circumstances.
5. Housing costs shape home-improvement budgets
When a larger share of income goes to mortgage, rent, utilities, taxes and insurance, less discretionary cash may be available for furniture, decor and renovation.
That helps explain the value of phased improvements, reusable furniture, renter-friendly changes and measurement-first purchasing that reduces expensive mistakes.
6. Costs vary dramatically by place
National medians hide large state and metro differences. The Census Bureau reported much higher 2024 owner costs with a mortgage in places such as California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia.
A national figure is useful for context, but local rent, mortgage, insurance and utility costs should drive household budgeting.
7. Do not confuse housing-cost data with renovation-cost data
These ACS measures describe the ongoing cost of occupying a home. They do not tell you what a kitchen remodel, sofa or contractor should cost.
Use separate current project data when estimating renovation or furnishing budgets, and label those sources independently.
Key figures at a glance
| Measure | Estimate | Source year |
|---|---|---|
| Median owner costs, with mortgage | $2,163/month | 2025 ACS |
| Median owner costs, no mortgage | $703/month | 2025 ACS |
| Median owner costs, all owners | $1,457/month | 2025 ACS |
| Median gross rent | $1,557/month | 2025 ACS |
| Median owner-cost share, with mortgage | 21.9% of income | 2025 ACS |
| Median gross-rent share, historical | 31% of income | 2024 ACS |
Why this matters for homes and interiors
Housing affordability affects interior decisions because the cost of occupying the home competes with renovation, furniture and maintenance spending. Measurement-first buying and staged projects have practical value when disposable budgets are constrained.
The national figures are context, not a budget prescription. Households should use their actual housing costs and local market prices when deciding how much to spend on the home.
Primary sources
U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 ACS B25088 owner-cost medians, B25064 median gross rent and B25092 owner-cost shares. The official 2025 summary-file estimates and margins of error provide auditable figures. Sources below support the historical 2024 comparisons.
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 ACS Housing Costs Release — 2024 mortgage and rent highlights.
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Table B25088 — Median selected monthly owner costs.
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Table B25092 — Median owner costs as a share of income.
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Table B25140 — Households with housing costs above 30% and 50% of income.
Related Dwelanor guides
- U.S. Renting & Homeownership Statistics — compare tenure context
- U.S. Remodeling Statistics — separate project spending from housing costs
- Small Space Design Guide — make limited square footage work harder
- Rental Decorating Guide — prioritize reversible improvements
- Furniture Sizing Guide — avoid costly sizing mistakes
Bottom line
The 2025 ACS estimates median selected monthly owner costs of $2,163 for mortgaged homeowners and median gross rent of $1,557. These figures illustrate why households must balance housing expenses with furniture, storage and renovation plans, but they cannot by themselves establish any individual household’s affordable budget.
