Your Situation
If You Buy
$
$
$
If You Rent
$
$
Shared Assumptions
Opportunity cost included: If you rent, we assume you invest your down payment and monthly savings difference in the market. This is what makes this comparison truly honest.
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
After your selected time period
—
—
—
Total cost of buying
$—
over — years
Net position: $—
Total cost of renting
$—
over — years
Net position: $—
Cost breakdown
Buy
Rent
Mortgage / Rent payments
$—$—
Property tax
$——
Insurance
$—$—
Maintenance / repairs
$——
Closing costs
$——
Equity gained
$——
Investment gains (opp. cost)
—$—
Net wealth position
Buy — net worth
$—
Rent — net worth
$—
Break-even year — when buying starts to win
Year 1
Year 10
Year 20
Year 30
—
Beyond the numbers — factors to weigh
Staying power matters most. The longer you stay, the more buying wins. Under 3 years, renting almost always wins financially.
Ownership = responsibility. Budget 1–2% of home value annually for repairs. Renters transfer this risk entirely to landlords.
Home appreciation is never guaranteed. Markets vary widely by city. Research your local price-to-rent ratio before deciding.
Stability vs. flexibility. Buying anchors you to a location; renting preserves optionality for career or life changes.
Forced savings. Mortgage payments build equity passively — many buyers would spend (not invest) the difference if they rented.
This calculator provides estimates based on the inputs you provide and general assumptions. Real estate returns, investment returns, and rent increases are inherently unpredictable. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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