Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the financial impact of renting versus buying a home
A rent vs buy calculator compares the total costs of renting versus buying a home over time. It factors in home appreciation, investment returns on savings, tax benefits, and all costs of ownership to determine which option builds more wealth.
Formula:
Buy Total Cost = Purchase + Interest + Taxes + Insurance + Maintenance - Appreciation - Tax BenefitsRenting total cost = Rent paid + Renters insurance - Investment returns on money not spent on down payment/maintenance.
- 1
Enter the home purchase price and down payment
- 2
Input your current or expected rent
- 3
Set mortgage rate and term
- 4
Add property taxes, insurance, and HOA
- 5
Enter expected home appreciation rate
- 6
Compare total costs over your planned timeline
- Housing is typically your largest expense
- The 'right' choice depends on your situation
- Location and timeline dramatically affect results
- Hidden costs of ownership often surprise buyers
- Opportunity cost of down payment is real
- Deciding whether to buy your first home
- Considering a move to a new city
- Evaluating career change and mobility needs
- Planning for retirement location
- Comparing different markets
- Assessing current lease renewal vs buying
- •If you might move in 3-5 years, renting often wins
- •Hot markets with high price-to-rent ratios favor renting
- •Your down payment could grow significantly if invested instead
- •Non-financial factors matter too - stability, customization, community
Have questions about using this calculator? Check out our financial guides or contact us for help.
Monthly Mortgage Payment
$2,023
Total Monthly Ownership Cost
$2,923
Current Monthly Rent
$2,000
After 10 years:
- • Total rent paid: $275,133
- • Total homeownership cost: $430,714
- • Estimated home value: $537,567
- • Net home equity: $106,852
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Understanding the Concept
The rent vs buy decision depends on many factors including housing costs, loan terms, investment returns, and how long you plan to stay. This calculator helps you understand the total cost of ownership versus renting over time.
Tips to Optimize
- Consider your timeline - buying makes more sense for longer stays
- Factor in closing costs (typically 2-5% of home price)
- Include opportunity cost of down payment investment
- Account for flexibility value of renting