When it comes to military life, one thing is certain — change is constant. Orders drop. PCS moves happen. Duty stations shift. And with every new assignment comes a big question:
Should we rent or should we buy?
For many military families, this isn’t just a financial decision — it’s emotional, practical, and deeply personal. But let’s break it down with clarity. We’re not here to sugarcoat or overcomplicate it. We’re here to give you real, actionable advice — with an honest bias toward what works best for service members and their families.
Let’s talk about why military housing rentals often come out on top — and when buying might actually make sense.
Why Renting Often Wins for Military Families
Let’s face it. Military life doesn’t exactly scream “settled.” You’re likely to move every two to three years, and sometimes with short notice. In that kind of lifestyle, flexibility is gold.
1. You Can Move Without the Stress
PCS orders hit, and suddenly you’re looking at cross-country relocation. If you’re renting, it’s often as simple as giving notice and moving on. No open houses. No waiting for buyers. No worrying if the market’s in your favor.
And under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), you can break your lease without penalty if you get reassigned. That’s a game-changer for military families.
2. No Risk of Being Stuck in a Bad Market
Buying a house in an unstable or overpriced market is a gamble — especially if you might have to sell in two years. If the market dips, you could end up upside down on your mortgage. Renting shields you from that risk. You’re not tied to resale values or fluctuating interest rates. You just pay the rent and go.
3. Zero Maintenance Costs
Hot water heater breaks? Landlord’s problem. Roof leaks? Call the property manager. When you’re renting, maintenance and repairs are someone else’s headache — not yours. That’s a huge relief, especially when you’re juggling deployments, long work hours, or being stationed overseas while your family holds things down at home.
4. Budgeting Is Easier With BAH
Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is meant to cover housing costs based on your rank and zip code. Most military rentals are priced with BAH in mind, so it’s easier to stay on budget. You don’t have to worry about hidden costs like property taxes, HOA dues, or surprise repairs eating into your paycheck.
The Case for Buying (And When It Makes Sense)
We’re not anti-buying. For some military families, homeownership does make sense — but only in very specific situations.
Here’s when buying might be a smart move:
1. You’re Stationed Long-Term
If you’re lucky enough to land a duty station where you’ll be for five years or more, buying can be a solid investment — especially if the local market is stable and appreciating. But remember, this is the exception, not the rule.
2. You Plan to Turn It Into a Rental
Some military homeowners turn their property into a rental when they PCS. That’s smart — if you’re ready to be a landlord or hire a property manager. But it comes with responsibilities, costs, and risks. Tenants. Vacancies. Repairs. Taxes. You have to be prepared.
3. You Have a Strong Financial Cushion
Buying isn’t just about the mortgage. You need savings for a down payment, closing costs, insurance, and emergencies. If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, buying can strain your finances — fast.
Let’s Talk Numbers: Renting vs. Buying
Let’s break it down with a quick example. Say your BAH is $2,000/month in your area.
- Renting: You find a clean, modern home near base for $1,950/month. It includes lawn care, maintenance, and utilities.
- Buying: You purchase a $250,000 home with a VA loan. Monthly mortgage + insurance + taxes = $1,850. Sounds good, right?
Now factor in:
- Repairs: $300 for a busted AC
- Moving early due to PCS: $8,000 in closing and realtor fees
- Vacancy while you try to sell or rent it out
Suddenly, that monthly savings disappears — and your bank account feels the hit.
What Should Military Families Consider First?
Before you decide whether to rent or buy, ask yourself:
- How long will we be stationed here?
- Less than 3 years? Rent.
- Can we handle sudden moves or deployments?
- If you don’t want to manage a property from across the country, rent.
- Do we have savings for homeownership costs?
- If not, renting protects your financial stability.
- Does the housing market support quick sales or rentals?
- Not sure? Another reason to rent.
Common Misconceptions About Renting
Let’s clear the air on a few myths.
Renting is “throwing money away.”
Wrong. You’re paying for convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind — all of which are worth every penny in military life. Renting helps you avoid long-term financial risks and gives you breathing room when things change fast.
You’re not investing in your future.
Also wrong. Renting allows you to invest in your mobility, your family’s stability, and yes, even in the ability to save or invest elsewhere — like retirement accounts or stocks.
Final Verdict: Renting is Built for Military Life
Owning a home can be a smart long-term strategy — but only when your situation supports it.
For most military families, renting is the clear winner. It gives you control over your finances, flexibility during PCS moves, and freedom from stress when duty calls. And in today’s housing market? That’s not just smart — it’s survival.
If you’re navigating a move or searching for your next home near base, focus on what matters: safety, affordability, and flexibility. And that’s exactly what military housing rentals are designed to offer.
Ready to Find Your Next Rental?
At MilitaryHousingRentals.com, we make it easy to search military-friendly listings near your base. Whether you’re stationed stateside or preparing for your next PCS, we’ve got the tools and support to help you find the right home — fast.
Browse properties by base, and connect with landlords who understand your lifestyle.
Your mission is service. Ours is helping you find a place to call home — no matter where duty takes you.
