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The cost of living is climbing steeply, with gas prices, grocery bills, and other expenses weighing heavily on many households. Amidst this financial strain, there’s a glimmer of relief for homeowners. Despite the surge in home prices over recent years, a recent LendingTree report highlights a surprising trend: a decrease in average monthly mortgage payments since 2024.
The report reveals that, in 2025, the national average monthly mortgage payment saw a slight dip, moving from $1,990 to $1,942. While this reduction may seem modest, it represents a meaningful shift, particularly in some of the country’s larger urban areas.
Fresno, California, emerged as a standout, experiencing the most significant reduction in mortgage costs. In 2024, Fresno homeowners paid an average of $2,414 monthly, but by 2025, this figure had dropped by an impressive 17.5% to $1,992.
This decline in mortgage payments, although not universal, offers a small reprieve for those navigating the broader landscape of rising living costs. Such financial trends provide a bit of breathing room for some homeowners amid otherwise challenging economic conditions.
At the top of the list was Fresno, California, which had a 17.5% drop in monthly mortgage payments. Going from $2,414 per month in 2024 to $1,992 in 2025.
North Port, Florida, followed with a 17.4% drop, then Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at 15.6%, and San Antonio, Texas, also at 15.6%.
Texas and Florida account for most of the top 20, with nine major cities between them seeing sizable drops in mortgage payments over the past year.
Here’s the full list of the 20 major U.S. cities that are seeing mortgage payments decrease.
| Rank | Metro Area | Average Monthly Payment (2024) | Average Monthly Payment (2025) | Change ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fresno, CA | $2,414 | $1,992 | -$422 | -17.5% |
| 2 | North Port, FL | $2,234 | $1,845 | -$389 | -17.4% |
| 3 | Winston-Salem, NC | $1,744 | $1,473 | -$271 | -15.6% |
| 4 | San Antonio, TX | $2,015 | $1,711 | -$304 | -15.1% |
| 5 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,995 | $1,698 | -$297 | -14.9% |
| 6 | Houston, TX | $2,129 | $1,814 | -$315 | -14.8% |
| 7 | Dallas, TX | $2,376 | $2,059 | -$317 | -13.3% |
| 8 | Stockton, CA | $3,057 | $2,654 | -$403 | -13.2% |
| 9 | Los Angeles, CA | $3,867 | $3,366 | -$501 | -13.0% |
| 10 | Killeen, TX | $1,789 | $1,573 | -$216 | -12.1% |
| 11 | Milwaukee, WI | $2,014 | $1,781 | -$233 | -11.6% |
| 12 | San Jose, CA | $4,530 | $4,016 | -$514 | -11.3% |
| 13 | Tampa, FL | $2,050 | $1,829 | -$221 | -10.8% |
| T-14 | Pensacola, FL | $1,861 | $1,662 | -$199 | -10.7% |
| T-14 | Austin, TX | $2,445 | $2,183 | -$262 | -10.7% |
| T-16 | Worcester, MA | $2,407 | $2,155 | -$252 | -10.5% |
| T-16 | Wilmington, NC | $1,995 | $1,786 | -$209 | -10.5% |
| T-18 | Springfield, MO | $1,614 | $1,465 | -$149 | -9.2% |
| T-18 | Fayetteville, AR | $1,960 | $1,780 | -$180 | -9.2% |
| 20 | Pittsburgh, PA | $1,650 | $1,506 | -$144 | -8.7% |
On the other end of the list, two Ohio cities sit at the top, Akron and Toledo. Akron saw the largest increase in monthly mortgage payments in the country, with a 10.7% increase. Toledo wasn’t far behind with a 9.7% increase.
Other cities that saw significant increases include Augusta, GA (8.9% increase), Charleston, SC (6.7%), Hartford, CT (6.2%), and Savannah, GA (6.2%).
To see the full list and more information on how mortgage payments are changing around the country or in your area, check out LendingTree’s full study.