Renting vs buying in Los Angeles isn’t a simple math equation. With rising rents, fluctuating interest rates, and neighborhood-driven appreciation, the right decision depends on your timeline, income stability, and long-term goals. This guide breaks down the real cost of renting vs buying in the LA housing market, including payment comparisons, break-even timelines, and neighborhood insights for South LA, East LA, and Northeast LA. If you plan to stay five years or longer and can comfortably afford a mortgage in California, buying often builds equity and stabilizes housing costs. Shorter timelines typically favor renting. Here’s how to know what makes financial sense right now.