The average monthly mortgage payment across the United States has declined since 2024, according to a new report from LendingTree released this week. The analysis found that in 2025, the national average dropped from $1,990 per month to $1,942, though home prices have continued climbing in many markets.
The report identified significant regional variation, with some cities seeing double-digit percentage declines while others experienced increases. Fresno, California topped the list of declining markets with a 17.5% drop, followed closely by North Port, Florida at 17.4%. Winston-Salem, North Carolina and San Antonio, Texas both saw decreases of approximately 15.6%.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative economists view the trend as a sign of a healthy, correcting housing market. "This reflects normal market dynamics working as they should," said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum. He argued that declining payments indicate improved buyer purchasing power without government intervention.
Representative Jason Smith of Missouri, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, highlighted the data in a statement praising current economic policies. "When mortgage payments go down, working families have more flexibility to save, invest, or spend on other needs," he said. The congressman has advocated for policies that encourage housing supply without new federal spending.
The National Association of Home Builders has pointed to declining payments as evidence that recent regulatory reforms and interest rate stabilization efforts are having measurable effects. "Builders are responding to market signals, and buyers are benefiting from increased flexibility," said NAHB Chairman Carl Harris in a press release.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive housing advocates say the data highlights ongoing affordability challenges despite modest improvements. "While any relief for homeowners is welcome, these numbers don't tell the whole story," said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. She pointed out that payments remain historically high relative to income levels in many markets.
Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota noted on social media that housing costs continue to strain middle-class families despite recent declines. "We need sustained policy solutions, not just market corrections," she wrote. The senator has previously advocated for increased federal investment in affordable housing construction and down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers.
Housing advocates from organizations including the Center for American Progress have called for expanding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and reforming zoning laws at the state level to increase housing supply. They argue that longer-term affordability requires structural changes to how housing is built and financed, not just temporary market fluctuations.
What the Numbers Show
According to LendingTree's analysis, Texas and Florida account for nine of the top 20 cities with declining payments. Los Angeles saw a 13% decrease ($3,867 to $3,366), while San Jose dropped 11.3% ($4,530 to $4,016). The data was compiled by comparing average monthly payments for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages across major metropolitan areas.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, two Ohio cities experienced the largest increases. Akron saw a 10.7% rise in monthly payments, and Toledo increased 9.7%. Other cities with significant increases included Augusta, Georgia (8.9%), Charleston, South Carolina (6.7%), Hartford, Connecticut (6.2%), and Savannah, Georgia (6.2%).
The median payment nationally dropped by $48 per month, or approximately 2.4%, year-over-year. However, average payments in cities like San Jose ($4,016) and Los Angeles ($3,366) remain substantially higher than the national average.
The Bottom Line
The LendingTree data suggests that regional housing markets are experiencing divergent trends rather than a uniform national shift. While some cities offer improving conditions for homebuyers, others continue to see rising costs. Economists will likely watch whether these trends persist as the Federal Reserve considers further adjustments to monetary policy.
Prospective homebuyers and policymakers should note that while declining payments provide short-term relief, housing affordability remains a complex issue tied to local supply, interest rates, and broader economic conditions. Future LendingTree reports may show whether current trends represent a sustained market correction or temporary fluctuation.