Top cities for first-time buyers in 2026: Owning vs. renting

Buying a home beats renting in 41% of 136 U.S. cities studied when factoring in equity from principal paydown and recent home price appreciation. Hartford, CT, leads with an 11.1% annual appreciation, offering the largest monthly savings for buyers. Midwest and Northeast cities dominate markets favoring ownership, while Western markets show modest appreciation. Affordability varies widely by city, influenced by local prices, rents, and appreciation rates.