Home / Rent vs. Buy Calculator
How long do you need to stay in a home for buying to be worth it?
The typical break-even point in 2026 is 5-8 years, though this varies significantly by market. In expensive cities like San Francisco or NYC, break-even can be 10+ years. In more affordable markets, you may break even in 3-4 years.
Find out if buying or renting makes more financial sense for your specific situation.
Use the Rent vs. Buy Calculator →By Sean Baldwin · Last reviewed July 2026 · Part of the Rent vs. Buy Calculator guide.