Buying isn't always the smarter move, and renting isn't "throwing money away." The answer depends mostly on how long you'll stay. This shows the real cost of each, year by year.
Renting
$800$5K
0%8%
Buying
$100K$1M
0%30%
4%9%
-2%8%
$100$1.5K
Your plans
1 yr15 yrs
0%10%
Over 7 years
Buying
Break-even point
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Buying payment · month 1
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Net cost over time
After equity and investment growth
BuyingRentingYear 1 → 15
Ready to see your real buying numbers?
I'll price your actual payment, including Florida insurance, taxes and any CDD, and tell you honestly whether now is the time.
How this works: Buying cost includes the down payment, 3% closing costs, principal and interest, property tax at 1.1% of value, mortgage insurance at 0.5% of the loan until about 22% equity, maintenance at 1% of value per year, and your insurance, HOA and CDD. It then credits your equity after 7% selling costs. Renting cost includes rent and $15/mo renters insurance, minus what your down payment and closing costs could have earned invested. Taxes on gains and mortgage interest deductions are not included. This is an estimate for planning, not financial advice, a rate quote or a commitment to lend.