🏠 Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Compare the true long-term cost of renting versus buying to find out which makes more financial sense for you.

Buying Costs

Home Price ($)

Down Payment (%)

20%

Interest Rate (%)

Loan Term (years)

Property Tax Rate (% / yr)

Home Insurance ($ / yr)

Maintenance (% of value / yr)

HOA ($ / mo)

Expected Appreciation (% / yr)

Renting Costs

Monthly Rent ($)

Annual Rent Increase (%)

Renter's Insurance ($ / yr)

Shared Assumptions

Investment Return on Down Payment (% / yr)

Years Planning to Stay

Total Cost — Buying

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Total Cost — Renting

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Break-Even Year

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Equity Built

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Year-by-Year Comparison

Year	Buy Total Cost	Rent Total Cost	Difference

Rent vs. Buy: What to Consider

The rent vs. buy decision isn't purely financial. This calculator accounts for the opportunity cost of your down payment (what it could earn if invested), home appreciation, equity buildup, and the real costs of ownership including maintenance and taxes.

Break-even year is when the cumulative cost of buying finally drops below renting. If you plan to stay longer than the break-even year, buying typically wins financially.

Non-financial factors: stability, ability to customize, school districts, and flexibility all matter. Many renters in expensive cities come out ahead financially but choose to buy for lifestyle reasons.