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.

Calculateur Louer ou Acheter

Comparez le vrai coût à long terme de la location et de l'achat immobilier. Prend en compte la plus-value, les capitaux propres, le coût d'opportunité et tous les frais.

R Location

Loyer Mensuel Actuel

Augmentation Annuelle du Loyer

B Achat

Home Price

Down Payment

Taux Hypothécaire

Plus-Value Annuelle du Bien

Entrez le loyer et le prix du bien pour comparer

Renseignez les détails location et achat ci-dessus.

After — Years

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Coût Net d'Achat

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Après récupération des capitaux propres

Coût Net de Location

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Après gains d'investissement

Année d'Équilibre

—

Achat plus avantageux à partir de cette année

Capitaux Propres en Fin de Période

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Après frais de vente (~6 %)

Valeur Finale du Bien

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Après plus-value

Mensualité Hypothécaire

—

Capital et intérêts

Coût Net Cumulé dans le Temps

Ligne basse = meilleur résultat financier

Achat (coût net)

Location (coût net)

Détail Année par Année

Année	Coût Net Achat	Coût Net Location	Valeur du Bien	Capitaux Propres

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