If I had to generalise, I would suggest that the frequency of use is more likely to be the determining factor rather than size if you look at it in terms of relative value.

Renting items usually makes a lot of sense in cases where the item will not get a lot of use: holiday homes, scuba gear are good examples.

For something that gets a lot of use, like a home or a car that you use daily, owning usually works out better.

I use the word “usually” because there may well be exceptions: try telling your fiancee that it is better to rent a bridal dress than to buy one and you will find out pretty quickly that it is not always about money.

It is why I don’t believe I should buy a summer retreat (especially right now when I would never be able (or want) to spend even five weekends a year at it).