Rent vs. Buy

Run the actual numbers.

"Renting is throwing money away" isn't always true — and neither is "buying always wins." Use real PG County inputs and see which scenario actually puts you further ahead.

Calculator

Your numbers

Renting

$2,200
3.0%

Buying

$425K
$15,000
6.750%
3.0%

Time horizon

5 years
Over 5 years

Buying comes out ahead

Monthly cost
Rent
$2,200
Buy
$3,226
Total spent over 5 yr
Rent
$140,161
Buy
$135,242

Buying total is net of equity built

Equity built
Rent
$0
Buy
$73,313
Net advantage
$4,919

Better off buying by this much over 5 years.

Break-even
5 yr

Year buying surpasses renting financially.

Estimate uses 1.6%/yr for taxes + insurance and 7% selling costs. Doesn't model tax deductions, HOA, or maintenance. Treat as a starting point — a lender will sharpen the numbers.

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FAQ

Rent vs. buy, common questions

Is renting really 'throwing money away'?

Not always. Rent buys you flexibility, no maintenance liability, and no transaction costs. If you'll move within 3 years or you're building credit, savings, or career stability, renting is often the smarter financial choice.

How long do I need to stay in a home for buying to pay off?

In most PG County submarkets, break-even falls around year 3–5 once you account for closing costs, selling costs, and equity build. The calculator on this page will give you the specific number for your inputs.

What's a realistic appreciation assumption for PG County?

Long-run averages run 3–4% annually, with stronger pockets near Metro stations and new development. We use 3% as a conservative default; you can adjust upward if you're buying in Hyattsville, National Harbor, or near Largo Town Center.

Do I need 20% down to buy in PG County?

No. Most first-time PG County buyers use 3–5% down with FHA, conventional, or VA loans, plus state and county down-payment assistance programs. The biggest barrier is usually closing costs, not the down payment.
Talk it through

Not sure which way to lean?

In a 20-minute call, Quan will pressure-test your numbers and tell you honestly whether to keep renting, buy now, or plan for 12 months from now.

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