Decision calculator

Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Renting and buying aren't just "rent payment vs. mortgage payment." This tool compares the total cost of each path over time, including taxes, maintenance, and what your down payment could otherwise earn.

Compare your situation

Fill in both sides — the defaults are reasonable US averages to start from.

If you rent

Monthly rent

Annual rent increase (%)

If you buy

Home price

Down payment (%)

Mortgage rate (%)

Loan term (years)

Property tax (% of value/yr)

Maintenance & insurance (% of value/yr)

Home value growth (%/yr)

Buying closing costs (% of price)

Selling costs later (% of sale price)

Shared assumptions

Years you plan to stay

Return if invested instead (%/yr)

Calculating…

This model compares net cost after your chosen number of years, treating your down payment and closing costs as money that could otherwise have been invested (opportunity cost), and netting out estimated home equity and selling costs if you buy. It's a planning estimate, not a guarantee — actual rates, appreciation, and costs vary by market and year.