MYTH vs. REALITY: "Renting is Always Cheaper Than Buying"
- Karly Castañeda
- Mar 18
- 2 min read

🔴 MYTH: "Renting is the smarter financial move because buying is too expensive."
🟢 REALITY: While renting may seem cheaper in the short term, owning a home builds long-term wealth.
Well, if I had known that talking about renting vs. buying would stir up such strong opinions, maybe I’d start every post with a debate on real estate myths!
Nah.
I actually planned to keep things light this time, but after a few conversations this week, I realized we need to talk about this one myth that just won’t go away…
So, let’s get into it: Is renting really cheaper than buying? Because I have some numbers that might surprise you.
 Every mortgage payment you make is an investment in your future, unlike rent, which only benefits your landlord.
Let’s Talk Numbers:
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto is around $2,500/month.
With a pre-construction investment, you could own a 1-bedroom + den in Oakville for $1,500/month with a structured deposit plan.
Over 5 years, renting costs you $150,000Â with zero return, while homeownership allows you to build equity and benefit from property appreciation.
Real Example: A Home That Pays for Itself



With just $4,000/month and a rentable basement apartment, this property can help cover your mortgage payments!
In Vaughan | 48 Thicket T
 3+1 Bedrooms | 3+1 Bathrooms | Double Garage + 4 Parking Spaces
2000 - 2500 sqft | $1,288,888
2-in-1 Property:Â Live comfortably and generate rental income
Prime Location:Â Near parks, schools, and shopping
Primary Bedroom with Ensuite
Mortgage Breakdown – $1,288,888 with 20% Down
Down Payment:Â $257,778
Loan Amount:Â $1,031,110
Interest Rate:Â 3% annually
Term:Â 30 years
Estimated Payments:
Monthly:Â $4,007
Biweekly:Â $2,003
Bonus:Â Rent out the basement and reduce your monthly expenses even more!
Key Takeaway: Renting might feel easier now, but homeownership is the key to financial freedom. With the right strategy, even first-time buyers with moderate incomes can enter the market and start building their future.
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