Should You Rent or Buy in 2026?
Enter your numbers and get a data-driven answer — break-even year, net worth impact, and true monthly cost compared side by side.
Analysis by City
Data-driven rent vs buy breakdowns for major markets
Buy vs Rent in Seattle, WA: 2026 Analysis
Is it better to buy or rent in Seattle, WA in 2026? Buy: $6,926/mo vs Rent: $2,200/mo. Renting favored over 30-yr horizon. Full data analysis.
Buy vs Rent in Atlanta, GA: 2026 Analysis
Is it better to buy or rent in Atlanta, GA in 2026? Buy: $2,450/mo vs Rent: $2,077/mo. Break-even: 5 years. Full cost, equity, and wealth analysis.
Buy vs Rent in Philadelphia, PA: 2026 Analysis
Is it better to buy or rent in Philadelphia, PA in 2026? Buy: $1,962/mo vs Rent: $1,933/mo. Break-even: 2 years. One of the most buyer-friendly major cities in the U.S.
Buy vs Rent in Miami, Florida: 2026 Analysis
Miami's combination of high home prices, soaring insurance costs, and elevated HOA fees makes renting the smarter financial choice for most people in 2026 — unless you're buying for the long haul.
Buy vs Rent in Denver, Colorado: 2026 Analysis
Denver's price-to-rent ratio has improved since 2022, making buying increasingly competitive. A 6-year break-even and strong appreciation history tip the scales toward buying for those with a medium-term horizon.
Buy vs Rent in Austin, Texas: 2026 Analysis
Austin home prices remain elevated despite cooling from 2022 peaks. With a 7-year break-even and high property taxes, buying only makes sense if you're staying long-term.
How It Works
Enter Your Situation
Input home price, monthly rent, interest rate, and your location. The calculator handles the rest.
See Your Break-Even Year
Find out exactly when buying becomes cheaper than renting given your specific numbers.
Understand the True Cost
Compare 10-year and 30-year net worth outcomes, including equity, appreciation, and opportunity cost.
Need deeper analysis?
The calculator above is powered by TrueHomeCosts.com. The full tool adds tax benefits, amortization schedules, and refinancing analysis.
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