4 in 10 Americans Delayed Moves Due To Inflation — These Are The Biggest Reasons
Written by
Vance Cariaga
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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The typical American moves anywhere from seven to nine times after they reach adulthood, with most of those moves coming between the ages of 18 and 45. The vast majority of moves are tied to changes in work, family or finances.
Finances also play a big role in why people don’t move. About four in 10 Americans said they have delayed moves due to inflation, according to a recent survey from Sparefoot, an online marketplace for self-storage solutions.
For its survey, Sparefoot polled 1,000 U.S. adults who moved within the past three years. Here were some key takeaways:
- More than half of respondents (54%) went over budget during their most recent moves, with nearly 1 in 5 (18%) exceeding it by $1,000 or more.
- 42% of moving households said inflation and rising prices made their move more stressful.
- More than one-third (34%) “overpaid” for their home due to bidding wars, while 27% faced limited affordable housing options.
Here are the four biggest reasons Americans delayed their moves. Also find out the hidden costs of moving to a new state.
Inflation and Rising Prices
- Cited by 40% of survey respondents
The federal government shutdown has delayed the release of October 2025 inflation data, but in September core inflation rose 3% from the previous year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That figure might not look very high — until you consider that prices keep rising even after inflation hit a four-decade high in 2022. Americans who are struggling to pay for essentials often don’t have the money to finance a move.
Couldn’t Afford Higher Mortgage
- Cited by 34% of survey respondents
Recent mortgage rates inched lower after the Federal Reserve cut overall interest rates in September and October, but they remain elevated.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.24% as of November 2025, according to data compiled by Macrotrends. That was down from a decade peak of 7.22% in September 2023. But it’s still more than double the rate only four years ago.
Needed More Time To Save for Moving Costs
- Cited by 28% of survey respondents
People often underestimate how much it costs to move to another home. The average cost for all moves nationally is about $3,020, according to research from This Old House. That’s a big expense for many Americans, which is why more than one-quarter of survey respondents had to delay moves until they saved more money.
If you’re moving locally, the average cost is much lower. Here’s a breakdown:
- Local move: $1,489
- Long-distance move: $3,129
Higher-Than-Expected Rent
- Cited by 27% of survey respondents
Just as home prices have soared in recent years, so have rental rates. The average rent in the U.S. was $1,631 a month in November 2025, according to CoStar data cited by Apartments.com. The average apartment size was 696 square feet, which essentially means a one-bedroom place.
Here’s a look at average rents by different apartment types:
- Studio (463 average square feet): $1,701 per month
- 1-bedroom (696 square feet): $1,631
- 2-bedroom (997 square feet): $1,889
- 3-bedroom (1,285 square feet): $2,372
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