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Deciding whether to rent or buy requires accounting for all ownership costs—mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and transaction fees—plus the opportunity cost of capital tied up in a home. By including these factors and comparing them to potential investment returns, such as a 7% to 10% annual gain from stock index funds, you can accurately assess when buying builds wealth and when renting plus investing may lead to greater financial independence. This approach enables you to run personalized calculations before committing to a home purchase.