Comparing the financial outcomes of renting versus buying a home for retirement over 20 years, assumptions include 6% annual growth in home value for buying scenario, 5% annual rent increase for renting scenario, and 12% return on investment for the renter. Based on these assumptions, the renting strategy appears to be more beneficial when analyzing the growth in investments, rent paid, and amount invested. However, results may vary based on individual calculations. A rule of thumb suggests that if rent is nearly equivalent to the EMI, it's time to buy a house to prevent excess funds that could be invested elsewhere.