Find your break-even year and true cost of ownership. Data-backed decision tool for the US, UK and Europe.
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Verdict
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Total buying cost
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Total renting cost
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Break-even year
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Home value at exit
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Equity built
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Frequently asked questions
Is it better to rent or buy in 2026?
In high-cost cities like NYC and San Francisco (price-to-rent ratio over 30), renting is typically cheaper short-term. In more affordable markets, buying can make sense. The break-even point is typically 5-8 years.
How long should you stay in a home to make buying worth it?
Most financial analysts recommend staying at least 5-7 years to recoup closing costs and build meaningful equity.
What hidden costs do buyers miss?
Many forget closing costs (2-5% of loan), ongoing maintenance (1% of home value annually), property taxes, HOA fees, and insurance.