American families are now paying more for health insurance than their mortgage. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, the average family premium for employer-sponsored coverage reached $26,993 annually (or $2,249 per month), exceeding the national median mortgage payment of $2,025, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
For millions of middle-class families with job-based coverage, health insurance now competes directly with housing for budget dominance. While mortgage payments are typically locked in and difficult to change, experts say healthcare costs represent the variable expense families can adjust to protect their housing stability. Find out how below.
