Ten years ago, the average home, at the average mortgage rate, and with a 20-percent down payment would’ve cost $1,952.04 per month. Today, that monthly cost is $3,470.95, according to mortgage data site Mortgage Calculator.

The real barrier people rarely talk about is down payment.

Apartment rent and small house mortgage aren't that different, and mortgage stays mostly the same. The only part that changes is property value keeps going up so taxes and insurance keep going up.

If it wasn't for that, first and last payment would be exactly the same. It's even a frequent complaint of boomers with paid off mortgages, because you never stop paying those things.

Even people with paid off mortgages would benefit from lower housing costs.