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At a new duty station, the rent-or-buy question really comes down to how long you'll be there. Compare total rent against the true net cost of buying with a $0-down VA loan over your PCS timeline.
Over 5 years, buying likely comes out ahead by
$7,596
net cost to own $132,565 vs total rent $140,161
No equity, no maintenance, and you keep the flexibility to PCS without selling.
The military variable is your timeline. The shorter the time before you PCS or sell, the harder it is for buying to beat renting — you pay the funding fee and 6% selling costs but haven't built much equity yet. Buying with $0 down (no PMI) shifts the math in your favor, but the break-even usually lands a few years out.
Estimate only. Assumes $0 down with the funding fee financed, 6% selling costs, and the appreciation/rent-growth you enter (both are guesses — try a pessimistic case). Not included: maintenance, the opportunity cost of any down payment, and tax deductions. Model the payment with the VA mortgage calculator. Not financial advice.
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Next: the exact monthly payment, how much you can afford, and your BAH to put toward it.