Rising Homeowners' Association Fees: A Growing Concern in U.S. Cities

Homeowners' association (HOA) fees have become a significant financial burden for many U.S. homeowners, particularly in cities like Miami, Panama City, and Naples, which report the highest fees relative to home prices. According to a study by Realtor.com, approximately 21.6 million households in the U.S. paid HOA fees in 2024, with the proportion of single-family homes within HOAs increasing from 49 percent in 2009 to 65 percent in 2023. The median monthly HOA fee across the nation is $135, but in certain areas, fees can be substantially higher.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAsNearly half of homes on the market have an HOA cost - and here’s where they are most expensiveCities with the most expensive homes in the Benton County area

The cities with the priciest HOA fees relative to mortgage payments include:

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

1. Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach, FL: Median HOA fee of $617, accounting for 26.9% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

2. Panama City–Panama City Beach, FL: Median HOA fee of $532, making up 22.7% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

3. Naples–Marco Island, FL: Median HOA fee of $711, representing 20.3% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

4. Cape Coral–Fort Myers, FL: Median HOA fee of $475, or 19.6% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

5. Port St. Lucie, FL: Median HOA fee of $449, accounting for 18.9% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

6. Hilo–Kailua, HI: Median HOA fee of $679, making up 16.8% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

7. North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota, FL: Median HOA fee of $379, or 14.6% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

8. Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach, SC: Median HOA fee of $255, representing 14.6% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

9. Sebastian–Vero Beach–West Vero Corridor, FL: Median HOA fee of $329, accounting for 13.0% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

10. Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington, MN–WI: Median HOA fee of $278, or 12.9% of mortgage payments.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

Seven of the top ten cities are located in Florida, where rising HOA costs have become a pressing issue for residents.

Nearly half of homes on the market have an HOA cost - and here’s where they are most expensive

In Florida, the median monthly condo association fee surged nearly 60% from 2019 to 2023, prompting legislative action. Florida state Representative Juan Porras introduced a bill in 2025 allowing homeowners to dissolve their associations by majority vote. This bill passed the Housing, Agriculture and Tourism Subcommittee in January 2026, indicating a potential shift in how HOAs operate in the state.

Map Reveals Cities With Most Expensive HOAs

The increasing prevalence and cost of HOA fees contribute to the broader housing affordability crisis in the U.S. A December 2025 analysis from Bankrate indicated that over three-quarters of homes on the market are unaffordable for the average household. The typical household income of around $80,000 is insufficient to cover the median-priced home, which requires an income of nearly $113,000, further exacerbated by HOA fees.

Nearly half of homes on the market have an HOA cost - and here’s where they are most expensive

Realtor.com Senior Economist Joel Berner noted that rising insurance costs, stricter building safety standards, and higher labor and material prices are driving up HOA dues. He stated, “HOAs are no longer confined to condos or brand-new developments,” highlighting the growing financial impact on homeowners.

Nearly half of homes on the market have an HOA cost - and here’s where they are most expensive

While the data indicates a significant rise in HOA fees, there is a lack of comprehensive national data on the exact number of households affected by these increases. Additionally, the perception of affordability varies widely among different demographics and regions, complicating the overall picture of housing affordability in the U.S.

Nearly half of homes on the market have an HOA cost - and here’s where they are most expensive

• “HOAs are no longer confined to condos or brand-new developments,” — Joel Berner, Senior Economist, Realtor.com

Nearly half of homes on the market have an HOA cost - and here’s where they are most expensive

• “More than three out of four homes on the market are unaffordable for the average household, a December 2025 analysis from Bankrate found.” — Bankrate Analysis, December 2025.

Nearly half of homes on the market have an HOA cost - and here’s where they are most expensive