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Th e M Rep o RT | 9 Locations Where Buying a Home Is a Tougher Choice There are some places where renting may not seem like a bad idea, but it's important to remember that buying a home will save you more money. Trulia lists cities where buying a home may be a more difficult choice due to the small difference in rental prices and home prices. Locations Where Buying a Home Is an Easier Choice Although buying a home is cheaper than renting in every state, Trulia listed markets where buying a home would be a no-brainer for anyone on the market. Source: Trulia's Rent vs. Buy Report SaraSota, Florida Trulia gave Sarasota, Florida the first place prize when it comes to that tough decision of buying a home or renting one. In this Florida hotspot, homes are 55 percent cheaper to buy versus rent. The average monthly HOA fee is only $92 here. Fort MyerS, Florida Once again, Florida steals the show with Fort Myers coming in at 54 percent cheaper to buy over renting. The $356 HOA fees do not deter buyers in this sunshine-state location. Baton rouge, louiSiana Do not be fooled, housing in Louisiana is also much more affordable than renting. With a cheaper to buy percentage of 53 and median HOA fees of only $30, Baton Rouge managed to gain much deserved access to the top five list. new orleanS, louiSiana There is more to New Orleans, Louisiana than those delicious beignets. This popular tourist destination boasts 52 percent cheaper home prices over rentals and HOA fees of $63 per month. MiaMi-Fort lauderdale, Florida Miami-Fort Lauderdale finishes off the top five with average HOA fees of $310 and homebuying being 50 percent cheaper than renting. Honolulu, Hawaii In Honolulu, Hawaii, homes are 16 percent cheaper than renting, and the median HOA fees are $438 in this location. This small difference along with expensive monthly HOA fees, makes homebuying a tough call in this beautiful city. San JoSe, CaliFornia With homes being 17 percent more affordable than renting, San Jose, California is another destination where renters may stay put rather than becoming buyers. Homeowners can expect to pay $290 in HOA fees in this city. lanCaSter, PennSylvania Renting a home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania appears to be a better option than buying a home. However, homes in this area are 19 percent cheaper than renting and the HOA fees are only $67 on average. SaCraMento, CaliFornia California once again makes an appearance in the tough decision category. Homes in Sacramento are only 22 percent more affordable than renting, and the HOA fees are about $300 in this area. San FranCiSCo, CaliFornia For the third time, California makes the choice between buying and renting a difficult one. San Francisco offers buyers homes that are 24 percent cheaper than renting and HOA fees of $300.