Drag the sliders — see the wealth gap in real time
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Monthly BAH amount
$3,972 / month
$2,500$5,500
Years in San Diego
3 years
2 yrs5 yrs
Scenario A — Rent
Total sunk cost
$143,000
36 months × $3,972
Scenario B — Buy
Wealth created
$98,000
Appreciation + principal
Total wealth gap
Renting vs. buying over your tour
$241,000
in your favor if you buy
◆ Year-by-year comparison
Rent lost
Equity built
◆ Full calculation breakdown
Monthly BAH$3,972
Est. VA purchase price (BAH parity @ 6.75%)$580,000
Down payment (VA loan)$0
PMI ever$0
Scenario A — total rent paid$143,000
Scenario B — appreciation (4.5%/yr)$80,100
Scenario B — principal paydown$18,300
Total wealth gap (A vs. B)$241,400
⚠ Estimates for illustrative purposes only. VA rate: 6.75% 30-yr fixed. Appreciation: 4.5%/yr (conservative San Diego historical avg). Actual results vary. Not financial advice. Consult a licensed professional before making real estate decisions.
14-yr USCG veteran · MBA · CA broker · zero cost to VA buyer