For those considering a move, the inevitable question is always whether it is better to rent or to buy. This is a particularly tough question in New York real estate, since rent prices can often seem intimidating. Why not just pay a mortgage instead?

But according to research from SmartAsset.com, perhaps the question isn’t all that difficult. According to their national assessment, unless you plan on staying in a property for 19 years, renting is almost always going to be the better value. Buying a property should always be looked at as a long-term investment, but for many in New York, 19 years may be too long to justify the price.

Of course, there are occasional deals to be had, but in a market as aggressive as New York, those properties can disappear within a matter of hours. “I think it’s important to have a broker who won’t push you into a commitment you’re not sure you can make,” said Oxford co-founder Adam Mahfouda. “You need to have a plan if you’re buying in New York and you need to make sure you understand all the fees associated with buying and selling. Many times, we’ll advise our clients that renting may be the better option, but it comes down to their specific goals. That’s why it’s important to work with someone you can trust.”

You can see the entirety of Smartasset’s work here. The New York Times also offers an easy-to-use, detailed rent or buy calculator here.