(NEXSTAR) — Housing costs have, for the most part, only continued to rise for Americans. The median monthly costs for a homeowner now totals $2,035, up from $1,960 in 2023 (and adjusted for inflation), according to recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Those with a mortgage are spending about 21% of their income on mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, utilities, and other fees, the report’s authors said.

Generally speaking, it’s the rising mortgage rates that have been driving the cost increases. While rates have been on the decline as of late, home sale prices are climbing – a recent Redfin report said median sale price is about $393,000, up 1.7% year-over-year.

Meanwhile, home sales have been so sluggish that some sellers have been taking their listings off the market. S

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