By HEATHER BOSCH
KIRO Radio

Seattle is one of the worst places to buy a home instead of renting one, according to the new study.

Seattle ranked second on trulia.com's list for cities where it is better to rent than to buy. With the average rent ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 and the average home price between $400,000 and $500,000. Only homeowners in New York get a worse deal.

Only four cities in the study show renting as less expensive than buying. Those include Seattle, New York, Kansas City and San Francisco. The other cities on the list show buying may be a more solid long-term investment.

Miami and Vegas are the best places to buy instead of rent.

Tara-Nicholle Nelson, Consumer Educator for Trulia says they're seeing a shift in traditional renters and buyers.

"For example, lifelong renters are seizing the opportunity to become homeowners while affordability is high. At the same time, a growing number of long-time homeowners are finding themselves tenants - some by choice and others by necessity."

Trulia.com cautions its survey does not take into account that Seattle home prices could fall and Seattle rents could rise.

Heather Bosch, 97.3 KIRO FM Reporter

You might also be interested in:

• Trulia rent vs. buy press release