Medium-density housing is cheaper than traditional homes and might be a better fit for today’s American family, says columnist Heather Long.

August’s personal consumption expenditures index clocked in at 2.2%. That’s down from July, but the housing category is one of the slowest to cool.

In New York the median rent for a one-bedroom just crossed $4,500, by one estimate.

“[Housing] is the leading issue that American mayors cite when talking about the big challenges facing their cities,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.

Ann Oliva of the National Alliance to End Homelessness says Gov. Gavin Newsom’s policy of clearing encampments could make things worse.

The federal funds rate, set by the Federal Reserve, is just the first layer that goes into determining mortgage rates.

Rates hovered around 7% for a good part of this year.

The survey from the Pew Research Center says child care costs and student debt are among the factors dissuading potential parents.

The cost of housing is a big issue in the U.K. general election. Are people actually hopeful that politicians’ pledges could improve things?

Normally, higher interest rates mean cheaper homes. Not this time.