Free Calculator

Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Should you rent or buy? Compare total costs over time including home appreciation, maintenance, and opportunity cost.

Renting

Monthly Rent

Annual Rent Increase

Buying

Home Price

Down Payment

20% down

Mortgage Rate

Loan Term

Ownership Costs

Property Tax (%/year)

Maintenance (%/year)

Insurance/mo

HOA/mo

Market Assumptions

Home Appreciation (%/year)

Investment Return (%/year)

What you could earn investing the down payment

Comparison Period (years)

100% PrivateInstant resultsFull cost analysis

Winner: Buying

$148,177

Buying saves this much over 10 years

Break-Even

Year 1

Home Equity

$144,806

Monthly Rent

$2,500

+3%/year increase

Monthly Buy Cost

$3,250

Mortgage + tax + maint + ins

Total Rent Cost

$343,154

Over 10 years, no equity

Total Buy Cost (Net)

$194,977

Home value: $604,762

Cumulative Cost Over Time

Annual Advantage

Buying wins by $148,177 over 10 years. Break-even at year 1. Your home equity grows to $144,806.

When to Rent vs. Buy

Rent If...

•You move every 2-3 years
•You have unstable income
•Home prices are declining
•Maintenance costs worry you

Buy If...

•You plan to stay 5+ years
•You have stable employment
•You want to build equity
•You can handle maintenance

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