Should You Rent or Buy A Home in Vienna VA in 2025? A Simple Math Check

A calculator with a pink pig on top of it.

By — Eva Swersey Realtor® | Compass | Maple Ave Living

A few weeks ago, I met Mia and Carlos—renters in Vienna VA trying to decide if 2025 is the right time to buy a home. With mortgage rates still hovering around 6.5%, they weren’t sure. And when you look at monthly payments alone, buying a home can seem like the more expensive choice.

But when we looked at the full picture—equity, appreciation, and net cost—the story changed. Here's how we ran the numbers together, using real 2025 data from the Vienna market

Median Rent in Vienna VA for 2025

According to Bright MLS, the median monthly rent in Vienna (including condos, townhomes, and single-family homes) is currently $3,400/month.

🏷️ $3,400/month × 12 = $40,800/year, 100% of that goes toward housing—but builds $0 in equity

Renting still makes sense for some situations, especially if you need flexibility or are staying short-term. But it’s important to understand what you’re trading off.

What Does It Cost to Buy in Vienna in 2025?

Let’s say you purchase a median-priced home in Vienna at $1,255,000 (Bright MLS, 2025). With a 20% down payment and a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5%, here’s what your cost would look like:

• 🏡 Loan amount: $1,004,000

• 💸 Monthly mortgage (principal + interest): ~$6,346

• 📦 Annual mortgage payments: ~$76,152

  
  

At first glance, that’s nearly double the annual rent. But here’s where long-term value comes into play.

What Are You Actually Getting for That Money?

Building Equity

In Year 1, approximately 25% of your mortgage payment goes toward your loan principal—about $1,586/month, or:

💰 ~$19,038 in equity gained in just the first year

That portion of your payment is essentially going back into your own pocket.

📈 Home Appreciation

Homes in Vienna have historically appreciated 3–5% per year. Even conservatively, if your $1,255,000 home appreciates by 3%:

📈 $37,650 in value gained in Year 1

📈 Combined with your equity, you’ve added $56,688 in real wealth after just one year.

✅ Net Cost Comparison: Rent vs Buy Vienna VA 2025

Here’s how things look side-by-side:

	Renting	Buying
Monthly Cost	$3,400	~$6,346
Annual Cost	$40,800	$76,152
Equity Gained (Y1)	$0	~$19,038
Appreciation (3%)	$0	~$37,650
Net Equity Gain	$0	$56,688
Net Cost (Y1)	$40,800	$19,464

Even though buying has a higher monthly payment, your net cost is actually less—thanks to appreciation and equity.

Is Buying Right for You?

✅ Renting may be smarter if:

• You’re not ready to stay 5+ years

• You need mobility or flexibility

• You’re still building savings or credit

✅ Buying may make sense if:

• You’re ready to plant roots

• You want to build long-term wealth

• You’re financially prepared for upfront costs

Want to Run Your Own Numbers?

You can estimate your rent vs. buy cost here:🔗 Buy vs. Rent Calculator

And if you'd like a more tailored look, I’m happy to connect you with one of my trusted local lenders:

• Mary Krueger – Origin Point📧 mary.krueger@originpoint.com

• Bruce Rosenberger – Guaranteed Rate📧 bruce.rosenberger@rate.com

Let’s Talk Strategy

Whether you’re renting, buying, or somewhere in between, I’d love to help you make an informed decision. No pressure—just a thoughtful conversation about what’s right for you.

✨ Let’s chat when the time is right.

Eva Swersey Realtor® | Compass | Maple Ave Living

eva.swersey@compass.com