Cory Billingham is moving to another city. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment within a one-
hour drive of the downtown area where he will work is $1,150 per month. The cost of utilities is
expected to average $200 a month. Renters insurance would cost $175 a year. The least expensive
home in good condition that Cory can find to buy costs $140,000. Annual expenses of owning
the home will be property taxes, $3,240; mortgage interest, $11,520; depreciation, $2,800;
maintenance and repairs, $2,600; insurance, $890; and lost interest on investment, $350. Estimated
income tax savings of home ownership are $4,000. Will it be less expensive for Cory to rent or to
buy, and how much less?