Whether you’re walking Main Street in Warwick, catching a train near Monroe, or exploring Newburgh’s riverfront, the same question comes up again and again:

“Is it really cheaper to rent or buy here right now?”

The answer depends on more than just mortgage rates. In Orange County, property and school taxes can add $8,000–$14,000 a year to ownership. But there are two big realities renters often overlook:

👉 When you rent, you’re paying 100% interest. Every dollar goes to your landlord.
👉 Rents rise unpredictably. A lease might start affordable but usually climbs 3–5% each year.

So while renting may feel like less cash out of pocket today, what about the future?

Warwick – Lifestyle Premium, Higher Costs

• Median Home Price: $580,000

• Mortgage + Insurance: ~$3,950/month

• Property & School Taxes: $12,000/year ($1,000/month)

• All-In Buy Cost: ~$4,950/month

• Rent (3BR): ~$3,000–$3,400
  ➡ Renting is cheaper monthly, but Warwick’s appreciation and lifestyle premium make buying smarter if you’ll stay 5+ years.

Goshen – Historic Appeal, Similar Math

• Median Home Price: $580,000

• Mortgage + Insurance: ~$3,950/month

• Property & School Taxes: $11,500/year ($960/month)

• All-In Buy Cost: ~$4,910/month

• Rent (3BR): ~$3,100–$3,300 (avg ~$3,200)
  ➡ The monthly difference is $1,600–$1,800, but Goshen rents climb quickly. Over 5 years, equity and appreciation narrow the gap.

Middletown – Most Affordable Entry Point

• Median Home Price: $400,000

• Mortgage + Insurance: ~$2,800/month

• Property & School Taxes: $9,000/year ($750/month)

• All-In Buy Cost: ~$3,550/month

• Rent (3BR): ~$2,300–$2,500
  ➡ Middletown offers the smallest gap. The break-even point here is often just 3–4 years, making it ideal for first-time buyers.

Monroe – Commuter Hotspot with Demand

• Median Home Price: $532,000

• Mortgage + Insurance: ~$3,620/month

• Property & School Taxes: $13,000/year ($1,080/month)

• All-In Buy Cost: ~$4,700/month

• Rent (3BR): ~$2,800–$3,000
  ➡ Renting is cheaper now, but Monroe’s commuter-driven demand fuels appreciation. A 5+ year hold tips the scale to buying.

Newburgh – Hudson Valley Renaissance

• Median Home Price: $390,000

• Mortgage + Insurance: ~$2,700/month

• Property & School Taxes: $9,500/year ($790/month)

• All-In Buy Cost: ~$3,490/month

• Rent (3BR): ~$2,500–$2,700
  ➡ The gap here is smaller. With revitalization pushing demand and rents upward, buyers who hold 5+ years are well positioned.

Rent Increases vs Fixed Mortgage (5-Year Outlook)

Assuming a 5% annual rent increase:

Warwick – $3,200 Rent vs $4,950 Mortgage

• Year 1: $3,200

• Year 5: $3,890
  ➡ Gap shrinks to $1,060

Goshen – $3,200 Rent vs $4,910 Mortgage

• Year 1: $3,200

• Year 5: $3,890
  ➡ Gap shrinks to $1,020

Middletown – $2,400 Rent vs $3,550 Mortgage

• Year 1: $2,400

• Year 5: $2,917
  ➡ Gap shrinks to $633 (fastest break-even)

Monroe – $2,900 Rent vs $4,700 Mortgage

• Year 1: $2,900

• Year 5: $3,525
  ➡ Gap shrinks to $1,175

Newburgh – $2,600 Rent vs $3,490 Mortgage

• Year 1: $2,600

• Year 5: $3,160
  ➡ Gap shrinks to $330 (almost a wash)

The Bottom Line

• Short-term (<3 years)? Renting is cheaper and more flexible.

• Planning to stay 5+ years? Buying nearly always wins. Rents rise, mortgages don’t—and you build equity while protecting yourself from unpredictable rent hikes.

So yes—renting may look easier today. But five years from now, would you rather be facing another rent increase, or looking at the equity you’ve built in your own home?