It is cheaper in GA to rent than buy a home, data shows. See how much

The economy, inflation and affordability is on everyone’s mind, and where to live is among the biggest concerns of Georgia residents. As of early 2026, the median mortgage payment is about 20% higher than the median rent.

Georgia’s housing market sits at an interesting crossroads. Median home prices are holding steady while rents trend downward, making the rent versus buy question more complicated than ever.

According to Realtor.com’s March 2026 housing data, the state’s median listing price is $378,990 and the median monthly rent is $1,800, and the gap between the least and most expensive markets is significant.

Renting is cheaper, for now

Of the 838 U.S. cities analyzed, only 95 still offer a cost advantage to buyers, mostly in lower-cost Southern and Rust Belt markets.

Georgia’s housing market at a glance

Realtor.com tracks Georgia’s statewide numbers using MLS-listed for-sale homes and active rental listings.

Although the listing price of homes has stayed the same year over year (YoY), rental listings are up 16.89% YoY.

March 2026 snapshot:

• Median listing price: $378,990
• Median monthly rent: $1,800
• Price per sq. ft.: $184
• Active listings: 80,908
• Rental listings: 34,777 (up 16.89% YoY)
• Median days on market: 54 days
• Market Hotness Index: 37 out of 100, rated “warm,” ranked #35 nationally

Least and most expensive cities in GA to buy and rent

All data from Realtor.com reflects median listing price and median monthly rent. To do a one-to-one comparison, MortgageCaluculator.org was used to find each city’s median listing price for each home, using a 6.5% interest rate, with 10% downpayment with a fixed.

Residents should note, however, that median listing prices and rental rates do not include anyother household expenses like utilities, maintenance or taxes.

Most expensive median home prices:

Cumming: $650,000 listing price

• Mortgage: $3,698/month
• Rent: $2,162/month

Canton: $569,900 listing price

• Mortgage: $3,243/month
• Rent: $1,850/month

Ellijay: $499,999 listing price

• Mortgage: $2,844/month
• Rent: $1,900/month

Marietta: $495,000 listing price;

• Mortgage: $2,816/month
• Rent: $1,741/month

Gainesville: $492,974 listing price

• Mortgage: $2,804/month
• Rent: $1,732/month

Least expensive median home prices:

Macon: $199,000 listing price

• Mortgage: $1,132/month
• Rent: $1,200/month

Columbus: $199,900 listing price

• Mortgage: $1,137/month
• Rent: $1,214/month

Augusta: $225,000 listing price

• Mortgage: $1,280/month
• Rent: $1,155/month

Decatur: $298,000 listing price

• Mortgage: $1,696/month
• Rent: $1,531/month

McDonough: $327,581 listing price

• Mortgage: $1,863/month
• Rent: $1,830/month

Most and least expensive US markets to buy

National city-level data below is sourced from SmartAsset, Construction Coverage, and Zumper.

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania is only city where buying was cheaper than renting.

Most expensive:

• San Jose, CA: $1.6M+ - $9,101/month mortgage; $3,009/month rent
• San Francisco, CA: ~$1.4M - $7,967/month mortgage ; $3,895/month rent
• Manhattan, NY: ~$1.55M - $8,818/month mortgage; $5,000/month rent
• Orange County, CA: ~$1.6M - $9,101/month mortgage; $2,352/month rent
• Newport Beach, CA:$3.3M+ - $18,775/month mortgage; $7,500/month rent

Least expensive cities

• Granite City, IL: ~$119,000 - $677/month mortgage; $1,050/month rent
• Rochester, NY: ~$139,900 - $796/month mortgage; $1,395/month rent
• Akron, OH: under $101,000 - $575/month mortgage; $995/month rent
• Pittsburgh, PA: ~$250,000 - $1,422/month mortgage; $1,500/month rent
• Fort Smith, AR: ~$200,500 - $1,141/month mortgage; $769/month rent

If there is something you would like to know or read more about email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.