Omaha, Neb.: Rent
Average list price: $264,713
Average monthly rent : $870
Price to rent ratio: 25.37
The huge gap between rental and purchase prices puts Omaha in the top 10 rental cities for a second quarter in a row, after the farm city took the top spot in June. "Workforce demand has kept prices...at a higher level, relative to other large American cities with less healthy job markets," said Tara-Nicholle Nelson, a consumer educator at Trulia.
But while renting at a lower cost for the short-term may be smart, there are still some great deals out there if you're looking for a long-term purchase.
"If you're going to be moving in less than a year, a rental could be a better idea, but prices to buy are low too, so if you can afford a down payment it's in your best financial interest to buy," said Russ Craig, a realtor at Deeb Realty.
NEXT: Columbus: Buy
Last updated October 11 2010: 11:53 AM ET
