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Written by Home Financial GroupUpdated March 19, 2026NMLS#305389

Calculadora: Comprar vs. Alquilar

Should I buy or rent a home?

Enter your current rent, expected home purchase price, down payment, and how long you plan to stay. The calculator compares the total cost of buying versus renting over time, factoring in equity buildup, home appreciation, tax benefits, and the opportunity cost of your down payment.

Buy vs Rent FAQ

It depends on your specific market, how long you plan to stay, and current interest rates. In many South Florida markets, monthly mortgage payments can be similar to rent — but buying builds equity and offers tax benefits. Generally, if you plan to stay 3-5+ years, buying often wins financially due to appreciation and equity buildup.

Typically 3-5 years is the break-even point where buying becomes more cost-effective than renting. This accounts for closing costs, transaction fees, and the time needed for appreciation to build meaningful equity. The exact timeline depends on your local market appreciation rate and how much you put down.

Beyond your mortgage payment, budget for property taxes (about 1-1.5% of home value in Florida), homeowners insurance (higher in Florida due to hurricane risk), maintenance (1-2% of home value annually), HOA fees if applicable, and potential special assessments. These can add $500-1,500+/month to your housing costs.

Renting offers flexibility, no maintenance costs, lower upfront costs, and the ability to invest your down payment savings elsewhere. If you invest the difference between renting and buying in the stock market, those returns could rival home equity in some scenarios — especially in the short term.

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