5-Year Rent vs Buy in Pittsburgh, PA

If you plan to stay in Pittsburgh for 5 years, here's how renting and buying compare.

⚖️ It's Close Either Way

Potential savings by renting: $8,111

Total Rent Paid
$86,008
Total Owner Costs
$169,869
Equity After Selling
$75,750

Compare Other Time Horizons

Customize Your Analysis

The above results use default assumptions. Adjust the inputs below to match your specific situation.

Rent vs Buy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Should you rent or buy a home? Calculate your best option.

Your Scenario

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%
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5 years
1 years30 years

Explore Scenarios

Adjust these sliders to see how different assumptions affect your decision.

Mortgage Rate7.00%
5%7%9%
Home Appreciation3.0%
0%3%5%
Rent Growth3.0%
0%3%6%
Time Horizon5 years
35710

💡 Tips

  • • Higher mortgage rates favor renting
  • • Higher home appreciation favors buying
  • • Higher rent growth favors buying
  • • Longer time horizons typically favor buying
⚖️It's a Toss-Up

You could save $8,111 by renting

Over 5 years

Monthly Cost (Rent)
$1,433
Average
Monthly Cost (Own)
$1,969
Average (excl. equity)
Total Rent Paid
$86,008
Total Owner Costs
$169,869
Final Equity
$75,750
After selling costs
Break-Even Year
Never
Beyond horizon

Upfront Costs to Buy

Down Payment (20%)$45,000
Closing Costs (3%)$6,750
Total Needed$51,750

Cost Comparison Over Time

$169,869$135,895$101,921$67,948$33,974$00y1y2y3y4y5y
Total Rent Paid
Total Owner Costs
Net Cost (After Equity)
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