Renting is cheaper than buying in every large U.S. metro, with homeowners paying 36.9% more monthly than renters. San Francisco shows the largest gap, with rent at $2,435 versus a $4,000 mortgage. San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Stockton, Sacramento, Fresno, Oxnard, Riverside, and Bakersfield also have significant differences, often exceeding $600 monthly. Many delay homebuying due to high costs.