How do I calculate the true break-even point on renting versus buying a home?

The break-even is the number of years you must stay for buying to beat renting after all costs. Add up your buying costs that never come back — closing costs, mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and the roughly 6% to 9% you'll pay to sell — then compare against rent plus what your down payment could have earned invested. In a high-rate 2026 market, break-even often stretches to five to seven years or more, versus the old rule of thumb of three. If you might move sooner, renting frequently wins. The Buy vs Rent Calculator at wealthserene.com/tools/buy-vs-rent runs this comparison with your local rent, price, and expected returns so you're not guessing.