Finance Guide

Mortgage vs Rent โ€” Which Is Actually Cheaper

CalcHub Pro  ยท  April 2026  ยท  5 min read

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Overview

The buy vs rent decision is more complex than most people think. This analysis breaks down the true cost of each option over different time horizons.

The Formula

True ownership cost = Mortgage + Tax + Insurance + Maintenance โˆ’ Equity gained

Standard formula used by professionals worldwide

Worked Example

Step-by-step

Mortgage 38,601/mo vs Rent 25,000/mo | But ownership builds equity โ€” rent cost is permanent

Key Points

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buying always better long term?

Not necessarily โ€” depends on property price growth in your area and how long you plan to stay.

Rule of thumb for buying?

If price-to-annual-rent ratio is below 15, buying is generally favourable.

What costs do renters forget to account for?

Rent increases over time. Mortgage stays fixed in nominal terms (fixed rate).

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