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The Washington real estate market is one of the most expensive in the country so deciding to rent or buy is a question of economic sense. To help you make a numbers decision, here’s an example of the cost of buying vs. renting in Bethesda.

condoThe two-bedroom, one-bathroom home is listed for sale at $319,000, or you can rent it for $2,200 a month. Built in 1973, the garden-style Sumner Court Condominium is across the street from a shopping center with a grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop and restaurants. The 1,200-square-foot first-floor patio unit has been renovated and updated.

This rudimentary calculation is meant to give potential buyers or renters a snapshot of the costs involved with buying or renting a home. It is not meant to be a comprehensive accounting. Anyone considering a home purchase should also take into account the tax benefits available as well as other factors such as how long they intend to live in the home. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of buying and renting here.

Address: 5003 Sentinel Dr., Unit 22, Bethesda

Sale price: $319,000

Monthly principal and interest: $1,246

Monthly taxes: $319

Monthly home owners insurance: $67

Monthly condo fee: $590

Estimated total monthly costs when buying: $2,222

Monthly rent: $2,200