Cash-challenged households are also doing without holidays and selling possessions to cover costs.
Americans are sacrificing vacations and meals to keep a roof over their heads, according to a recent survey from real estate platform Redfin.
A fifth of those questioned said they have gone without food to save money so that they can direct the cash towards paying their rent or mortgage.
And more than a third said they had decided against taking holidays as worries rise over their ability keep up payments for housing. Some Americans have had to take second jobs and delay or skip health treatments.
Read more: What Is Mortgage Refinancing and How Does it Work?
« Housing has become so financially burdensome in America that some families can no longer afford other essentials, including food and medical care, and have been forced to make major sacrifices, work overtime and ask others for money so they can cover their monthly costs, » Chen Zhao, Redfin’s economics research lead, said.