Rent-vs-Buy Napkin

Published by Anastasia Weaver Media · Independent local research, no listings, no pay-for-placement · Updated August 16, 2026 · Methodology & corrections

One labeled scenario, not a universal rule: at roughly a 6.5% 30-year rate, a small down payment, and corridor-typical taxes and insurance (MUD/PID included), every $850/month of housing payment supports roughly $100,000 of house. See what your rent maps to under those assumptions — and what moves the line.

Your current monthly rent ($)

The assumptions, stated

Rate & term: 30-year fixed at roughly 6.5% — a builder buydown or a market move changes this materially.
Down payment: small (~5%); a larger down payment stretches what the same monthly number supports.
Property taxes: a combined rate near 2.4%, including school taxes and any MUD/PID assessment — verify the lot's actual total rate; it varies street by street.
Insurance: a typical corridor homeowners premium; roof age and hail history move it.
Not modeled: PMI, HOA dues, and maintenance — each shrinks what the same payment supports.

This is one modeled scenario, not a universal rule — your real numbers come from your own Loan Estimate and the county's tax record. The MUD/PID impact tool shows why the tax line deserves its own check.

Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent anywhere. Educational arithmetic only, not a quote, valuation, or lending advice. Assumptions are simplified on purpose; your real numbers come from your own quotes. Compiled August 2026.

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