Let’s compare a rental you’d actually live in with a home you’d actually buy. Then look at your monthly costs, how long you’ll stay, and what could change.
Compare renting and buying over the same period for a similar living arrangement. Include upfront costs, ongoing expenses and the exit; then test a shorter stay, no roommate income and a flat or lower resale price.
Use comparable housing arrangements
Compare a similar location, bedroom count, condition, and household arrangement. University housing includes a different term and service structure from a private lease. For 2026–27, BU lists a standard traditional shared-room housing and dining example of $20,740 for the academic year. A private rental may require payment for twelve months and separate food and utilities.
Include the cash you need and the costs you keep paying
Ownership can require a down payment, buying costs, loan payments, taxes, insurance, association fees, and maintenance. A sale introduces transaction costs and a remaining loan balance. Rental costs depend on the lease, included services, and any future changes. Enter the actual amounts you can substantiate instead of adjusting assumptions to reach a preferred answer.
Test the plan when circumstances change
Run the tool for a shorter stay, no roommate contribution, higher maintenance, and lower sale proceeds. A favorable result in one scenario does not establish savings or a return. Consider the practical work of ownership and the cash you need available alongside the estimated cost comparison.
Review the assumptions with Frank and Matt
Frank can help with property facts, comparable rentals, and the plan after graduation. Matt can review financing questions and confirm applicable eligibility and licensing. Use the calculator handoff so your selected property and assumptions accompany the request, then verify the remaining facts before acting.
Make both sides of the comparison complete
| Cost or assumption | Renting | Owning |
|---|---|---|
| Time period | Entire lease, including unused summer months | Expected holding period and a shorter alternative |
| Recurring costs | Rent, utilities, insurance and household costs | Loan payments, taxes, insurance, fees and upkeep |
| Cash tied up | Deposits and advance payments as applicable | Down payment, closing costs and reserves |
| Exit | Lease-end or permitted early-exit obligations | Selling costs, remaining loan and market uncertainty |
- Do not count principal repayment as a guaranteed investment return.
- Keep appreciation and roommate income labeled as assumptions.
- Include maintenance and major-building reserves even in a newer-looking home.
- Have Frank review property inputs and Matt review the financing assumptions.
Check the details here
For 2026–27, BU lists $20,740 for a traditional shared room with the standard dining plan for the academic year. That example includes dining and is not a 12-month private rental quote. BU 2026–27 housing and dining rates ↗
Where this information comes from
BU 2026–27 housing and dining rates ↗
MBTA routes and trip planning ↗
CollegeHousing.ai put this together using the sources above. Frank and Matt can help with your own situation; they haven’t written or reviewed this page. Check the current property details and rules before making a commitment. We’re independent of Boston University.
Let’s talk about your plans.
Frank Carroll, Vice President at Compass, is the local property and relocation contact. For financing, keep the BU property and assumptions together in the state-aware BU financing review, then confirm the appropriately licensed Massachusetts originator before applying. Matt Dean of NEXA Lending, NMLS #227603, may help with planning, but this guide does not present him as the Massachusetts mortgage originator.