A current study across 250 US cities found owning beat renting when renters invested only a potential down payment in stocks.
Even when renters invested both a down payment and monthly savings, owning still led in 199 cities, nearly 80% of markets studied.
Miami showed the biggest ownership edge: projected 10-yr equity topped $1M, with owning ahead by ~$509K despite monthly costs exceeding rent.
Florida dominated the top ranks. St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Orlando also posted major ownership advantages, each projected above ~$317K over 10 years.
Owning also cost less monthly than renting in 26 cities. Detroit led, with typical ownership costs running ~$799 below rent.
Renting plus investing won in a smaller group, often high-cost or low-growth markets. LA, several California cities, and some others favored renters.
The study stressed these were modeled outcomes under fixed assumptions, not personal advice, and said buyer timelines, income swings, and risk tolerance still matter.
