Is it cheaper to rent or buy if staying put 7 years?

Comparing a $700,000 home purchase against renting a similar place and investing whatever cash isn't spent on the down payment, over a 7-year holding period.

This model assumes the renter actually invests the difference every month rather than spending it — the comparison only holds if that discipline is real. Home appreciation, rent growth, and investment returns are all long-run averages, not guarantees.