Is it better to rent or buy a home?

It depends on how long you plan to stay, your local market, and your financial situation. Buying builds equity and can be cheaper over the long term if you stay 5+ years. Renting offers flexibility and avoids large upfront costs and maintenance expenses. Use a rent vs. buy calculator to see the break-even point for your specific situation.

How long do I need to stay in a home to make buying worthwhile?

The rent vs. buy break-even is typically 3–7 years, depending on home appreciation, closing costs, and local rent vs. buy price ratios. In expensive markets like San Francisco or New York, break-even can be 10+ years. In more affordable markets, buying can be cheaper after just 2–3 years.

What costs do renters avoid that homeowners pay?

Homeowners pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance (typically 1–2% of home value per year), PMI (if less than 20% down), HOA fees, and closing costs when buying and selling. Renters avoid all of these but typically miss out on equity growth and potential appreciation.

Calculadora Alquilar vs. Comprar

Compara el verdadero coste a largo plazo del alquiler frente a la compra. Incluye revalorización, patrimonio neto, coste de oportunidad y todos los gastos.

R Alquiler

Alquiler Mensual Actual

Aumento Anual del Alquiler

B Compra

Home Price

Down Payment

Tipo de Interés Hipotecario

Revalorización Anual del Inmueble

Introduce el alquiler y el precio del inmueble para comparar

Rellena los datos de alquiler y compra arriba.

After — Years

—

Coste Neto de Compra

—

Tras recuperar el patrimonio neto

Coste Neto de Alquiler

—

Tras ganancias de inversión

Año de Equilibrio

—

Comprar es más barato a partir de este año

Patrimonio Neto al Final

—

Tras gastos de venta (~6 %)

Valor Final del Inmueble

—

Tras revalorización

Cuota Hipotecaria Mensual

—

Capital e intereses

Coste Neto Acumulado a lo Largo del Tiempo

Línea más baja = mejor resultado financiero

Compra (coste neto)

Alquiler (coste neto)

Desglose Año a Año

Año	Coste Neto Compra	Coste Neto Alquiler	Valor del Inmueble	Patrimonio Neto

What This Calculator Accounts For

Most rent vs. buy comparisons only look at mortgage payment vs. rent. That's misleading. This calculator accounts for the full financial picture on both sides:

Buying includes:

→ Mortgage P&I + property tax + insurance
→ Annual maintenance (1% of home value)
→ Upfront buying & selling transaction costs
→ Equity and appreciation offset against costs

Renting includes:

→ Monthly rent + annual rent increases
→ Investment return on down payment capital
→ No maintenance, no transaction costs

Renting vs. Buying in the US

The median US homeowner stays in their home for about 7 years before selling or refinancing. At high mortgage rates (above 6.5%), the break-even point often extends to 5–8 years — meaning renting may be more cost-effective for shorter time horizons.

Key factors that favor buying:

Planning to stay 7+ years in the same area
Home prices expected to appreciate above inflation
Rent increases rapidly in your market
You value stability, customization, and building equity