Best U.S. City for Renters: Eclectic Architecture and Beaches

This story distills a JB.com study reported by Travel + Leisure on May 14, 2026. The study compares average monthly mortgage payments (20-year loans with property taxes) to average monthly rents to reveal where renting saves the most money.

San Francisco tops the list for the largest rent-vs-buy gap. Other major cities like Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles, and New York also stand out for big monthly savings when renting instead of owning.

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If you’re in Marin County, these numbers might make you want to take a closer look at how the rent-versus-buy math plays out in Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, Sausalito, and beyond. It’s not always straightforward, but the differences are hard to ignore.

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What the JB.com study shows about renting versus buying

Here’s the gist: researchers took average home prices, calculated 20-year loan payments (property taxes included), and stacked those up against current average rents. Their goal? To see how much you might save each month by renting instead of buying.

In the Bay Area, this math can make renting look pretty appealing, thanks to sky-high home prices and hefty taxes. For folks in Marin, the numbers hit home—especially in towns where the cost of owning can go toe-to-toe with renting in lively, walkable neighborhoods.

Top U.S. cities where renting saves the most money

Here are the cities with the biggest monthly gaps between buying and renting, according to JB.com:

San Francisco — mortgage payments top $9,900 per month, while rent averages $3,625. That’s a whopping $6,361 in monthly savings for renters.
Seattle — renters save around $4,777 per month compared to a mortgage payment of about $6,834.
San Diego — with rent near $3,000 per month, renting saves about $4,769 monthly versus buying.
Los Angeles — renters pocket roughly $4,659 each month over buyers.
New York — monthly savings come in at around $3,233. The city also has the highest property tax rate at 1.23%.
Boston — renters save about $2,992 per month.
Salt Lake City — makes the top ten, landing in the mid-range for savings.
Austin — also in the top ten, with similar mid-range savings.
Portland — among the top ten; savings sit in the mid-range as well.
Denver — rounds out the list, with the lowest figure in the group at $2,151 per month.

Note: The study points out that exact rent and mortgage numbers shift by city, but the trend’s pretty clear—renters in many big markets save a lot each month, even though both rents and home prices have climbed since the 1990s. The range across the top ten really highlights how regional costs shape housing choices, from San Francisco’s wild market to Denver’s still-growing scene.

What this means for Marin County residents

For folks in Mill Valley and Sausalito, the JB.com numbers aren’t just abstract stats. They reflect a real calculation—one that many local households run when deciding where to live, and whether to rent or buy.

In towns like San Rafael, Novato, and Larkspur, rental units along downtown arteries and waterfront corridors provide appealing options. That can tilt the economy toward renting for several years, especially for young professionals or anyone who values flexibility and the chance to chase short- or mid-term gigs around the Bay Area.

Here are a few practical takeaways for Marin renters and would-be buyers navigating the Bay Area’s housing scene:

Factor total cost of ownership—don’t just look at the monthly mortgage. You’ve got property taxes, HOA dues, maintenance, and insurance, especially in high-tax regions like New York or right here in Marin.
Consider location-specific rents in Marin towns such as San Anselmo or Ross. Rents here can compete with or even outpace some bay-front markets, but the lifestyle perks are different and could influence your sense of value over time.
Evaluate long-term plans. If you see yourself staying in a community like Novato or Fairfax for more than five years, mortgage payments might become more predictable, and you’ll build equity. Renting, on the other hand, keeps things flexible if you’re navigating a tight labor market.
Watch property taxes. The New York example shows how property taxes can seriously affect the overall cost of ownership. Marin buyers should keep an eye on this as tax policy shifts at both state and county levels.
Balance lifestyle with budget. The Bay Area lifestyle is all about access to nature, good schools, and commute options. In Marin, that might mean picking a more affordable rental in San Anselmo or Bolinas but still keeping a short drive to the city for work or culture.

For Marin County, from Marin City to Fairfax and even Roche Harbor (if you want to stretch the map), every town offers its own vibe and price point. Deciding whether to rent or buy—honestly, it stays a deeply personal, financially nuanced choice. Know your numbers, weigh the local options, and plan with both your current budget and future dreams in mind. Marin’s a remarkable slice of the Bay Area, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

Here is the source article for this story: Home to Eclectic Architecture and Beaches, This is the Best U.S. City for Renters

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.