Rent vs Buy Calculators for 11 US Cities

Whether buying beats renting depends heavily on local property tax, transfer taxes and the ratio of prices to rents.

Last updated: 09/27/2026 · Written by Sadaf Azeem

The math of renting versus buying is the same everywhere, but the inputs are not. A city with high prices relative to rents — such as San Francisco or New York — tends to favor renting for shorter stays, while places with lower price-to-rent ratios can favor buying sooner. Property tax and transaction taxes push in the other direction in cities like Houston, Dallas and Chicago.

How rent vs buy calculators compare across the 11 cities

CityTypical home / 2BR rent (est.)What is different there
New York City$900,000 / $5,200Property tax about 0.90% of value (starting estimate)
San Francisco$1,300,000 / $4,600Property tax about 1.18% of value (starting estimate)
Los Angeles$1,050,000 / $3,300Property tax about 1.20% of value (starting estimate)
Houston$330,000 / $1,700Property tax about 1.85% of value (starting estimate)
Dallas$380,000 / $1,950Property tax about 2.00% of value (starting estimate)
Chicago$350,000 / $2,800Property tax about 1.90% of value (starting estimate)
Miami$600,000 / $3,300Property tax about 1.80% of value (starting estimate)
Atlanta$420,000 / $2,150Property tax about 1.40% of value (starting estimate)
Boston$800,000 / $3,900Property tax about 1.24% of value (starting estimate)
Seattle$900,000 / $3,000Property tax about 0.85% of value (starting estimate)
Washington DC$650,000 / $3,300Property tax about 0.72% of value (starting estimate)

Prices and rents are Rate and Reason starting estimates.

Local costs that change the answer

Texas cities have property tax near 2% of value but no transfer tax; California cities have lower Prop 13 property tax but high prices; New York City has large transfer and mansion taxes; Miami has high insurance and condo fees. Each city's calculator starts with those local defaults.

The break-even year

Every calculator reports the first year when buying becomes cheaper than renting with your assumptions. Short expected stays usually favor renting everywhere because buying and selling costs are paid up front and at the end.

Choose your city

Frequently asked questions

How long should I stay for buying to make sense?

Often five years or more, but check the break-even year for your numbers.

Are transfer taxes included?

Yes, seller-side taxes on the future sale use each city's rules.

What matters most?

How long you stay and the home price growth you assume.