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 Rentar vs. Comprar

Compara el verdadero costo a largo plazo de rentar frente a comprar. Incluye plusvalía, patrimonio, costo de oportunidad y todos los gastos de mantenimiento.

R Renta

Renta Mensual Actual

Aumento Anual de la Renta

B Compra

Home Price

Down Payment

Tasa Hipotecaria

Plusvalía Anual del Inmueble

Ingresa la renta y el precio del inmueble para comparar

Completa los datos de renta y compra arriba.

After — Years

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Costo Neto de Compra

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Tras recuperar el patrimonio

Costo Neto de Renta

—

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 plusvalía

Pago Hipotecario Mensual

—

Capital e intereses

Costo Neto Acumulado a lo Largo del Tiempo

Línea más baja = mejor resultado financiero

Compra (costo neto)

Renta (costo neto)

Desglose Año por Año

Año	Costo Neto Compra	Costo Neto Renta	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