You Shouldn’t Rent These 7 Things
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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If commitment isn’t your thing, renting can feel easy. But for items you’ll use regularly — or could resell later — renting usually costs far more than buying. In 2026, with subscription rentals and rent-to-own plans everywhere, it’s easier than ever to overspend without noticing.
With that in mind, here are seven popular items you’re almost always better off buying rather than renting.
1. Designer Handbags
Luxury purse rentals promise high-end style without the upfront price tag. But at $40 to $600 per month, the math rarely works in your favor.
Services like Switch, Vivrelle and Bag Borrow or Steal offer everything from mid-tier brands to Chanel and Gucci staples — often for hundreds per month. If you carry the bag regularly, a few months of rental fees can equal a large chunk of the purchase price.
Instead of paying for temporary access (and worrying about damage fees), put that money toward buying the bag outright. You’ll avoid ongoing charges — and you can resell it later.
2. Christmas Trees
If you celebrate Christmas every year, renting a tree makes little financial sense.
Artificial trees cost roughly $100 to $300 and can last a decade or more. Rentals can run $100 to $200 per season — plus delivery fees. After just a year or two, you’ve likely spent more than the cost of owning one.
Yes, you’ll need storage space. But long term, buying wins.
3. Furniture
Furniture rental may seem affordable at first — $10 per month for a single item sounds manageable. But full-room packages can quickly climb to $200 to $400 per month, not including delivery or setup fees.
A new couch might cost $500 to $2,000. Renting can approach — or exceed — that amount in a matter of months, and you still won’t own anything at the end.
If cash is tight, consider buying secondhand or financing at a low rate. At least you’re building equity in something you can later sell.
4. Wedding Dresses
Renting a wedding dress can cost $200 to $1,000, with premium designer rentals reaching $1,500 or more. While that can be cheaper than buying brand-new couture, it’s not always a true bargain.
Rental periods are short. Alterations are limited. You’re responsible for returns and potential damage fees.
If you’re open to off-the-rack, resale or sample dresses, you can often buy for a similar price — and even resell afterward. For many brides, ownership offers more flexibility and less stress.
5. Linens and Event Decorations
Renting tablecloths, chairs and décor for a one-day event sounds logical — but buying used can cost the same or less.
Rented items are pre-owned anyway. If you purchase linens or decorations secondhand, you can resell them after your event and recover much of your money.
With a little planning, buying can turn a one-day expense into a temporary investment.
6. Computers
Computer rentals often cost $40 to $100+ per week, depending on the model. Over a month or two, that adds up quickly.
If you only need occasional access, your local library likely offers free computer use. Schools and universities often provide labs as well.
If you’re saving for your own device, skip the rental fees and put that money toward buying one outright.
7. Televisions
Renting a TV for a big move or major event — like the Super Bowl — may seem convenient. But rental fees range from $20 to $50 per week for small models and can soar to hundreds per day for larger 4K displays.
In many cases, a few weeks of renting costs as much as buying a budget-friendly TV outright. And unlike a rental, a purchased television can be sold later if you upgrade.
In conclusion, renting can make sense in rare, short-term scenarios. But for everyday items you’ll use repeatedly, ownership almost always costs less in the long run — and gives you something to show for your money.
Christina Lavingia contributed to the reporting for this article.Â
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