Study: Buying may outpace renting in Florida

Buying in Florida may offer a long-term wealth advantage over renting in several major markets, even when renters invest the money they would have spent on ownership, according to a new analysis.

AD Mortgage’s 2026 “10-Year Rent vs. Buy Wealth Study” compared projected 10-year outcomes for homeowners and renters in 250 U.S. cities. The study measured homeowner equity against renter investment returns, assuming renters invested the down payment and monthly savings in the S&P 500.

In the five Florida markets included in the study, projected homeowner equity outpaced renter investment returns by about $275,000 to more than $509,000.

Miami showed the largest Florida gap. The study projects a typical Miami buyer could build about $1.04 million in equity over 10 years, compared with about $534,000 for a renter who invests instead. That represents an ownership advantage of about $509,000.

Other Florida markets also favored buying over a 10-year period. St. Petersburg showed a projected homeowner advantage of $361,852, followed by Tampa at $340,562, Orlando at $317,027 and Jacksonville at $275,256.

For Realtors in Florida, the study offers a useful way to discuss the long-term tradeoffs between buying and renting. Monthly payments, insurance, taxes and upfront costs remain major barriers for many buyers, and ownership is not the right financial move for everyone.

But the analysis shows how appreciation and loan paydown can change the equation over time, particularly in high-growth Florida markets. For buyers who are financially ready and plan to stay put long enough, the long-term wealth case for ownership may still be strong.

© 2026 Florida Realtors®