Compare total cost of owning, what you give up by tying up the down payment, and how long you will stay, not only rent versus mortgage payment.
Rent versus buy comes down to three numbers: total cost to live there, what your down payment could earn elsewhere, and how long you will stay.
Monthly payment is not enough A lower mortgage payment than rent does not automatically mean buying wins. Maintenance, taxes, insurance, and selling costs belong in the same spreadsheet.
Costs owners pay
Property tax, insurance, and maintenance (often 1% to 2% of value per year).
Closing costs when you buy and agent fees when you sell.
Opportunity cost: down payment invested at an expected return.
When renting can win on paper
Short stays, high price-to-rent ratios, or when you can invest the down payment at returns above the implicit cost of owning. Run a break-even year count with the calculator.