Zillow says US households take about 15 years to save and break even on home purchase versus renting

Zillow analysis estimates a median-income U.S. household needs 14.7 years to save a 20% down payment and then break even versus renting.

• Saving for a down payment takes 8.5 years nationally.
• Breaking even versus renting takes 6.2 years, based on July 2026 conditions.
• High-cost metros extend timelines sharply: San Jose totals 49.2 years, Los Angeles 37.7 years, and New York 29.4 years.
• Lower-cost markets shorten payback: Memphis totals 10.9 years, with Pittsburgh near 11.1 years and Detroit 11.4 years.
• Starter homes cut the national timeline to 7.2 years, with 4.6 years to save and 2.6 years to break even.