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Compare total costs of renting vs buying over time. Includes equity building, tax benefits, maintenance costs, and break-even analysis.
The rent vs buy decision is one of the most important financial choices you'll make. It's not just about monthly payments - it involves analyzing total costs, equity building, tax benefits, flexibility, and long-term wealth building over your expected time horizon.
Our calculator provides a comprehensive comparison that goes beyond simple monthly payment comparisons. It factors in home appreciation, investment returns on saved capital, tax deductions, maintenance costs, and shows you the exact break-even point where buying becomes more cost-effective than renting.
Plan to stay 5+ years? Buying usually wins
Stable income and emergency fund required
Price-to-rent ratio and appreciation trends
Career flexibility vs homeownership stability
Input the home price, down payment percentage, interest rate, and loan term. Add property tax, insurance, HOA fees, and expected maintenance costs (typically 1% of home value annually).
Enter your current or expected monthly rent, annual rent increase rate (typically 3-5%), and renter's insurance cost. The calculator will project rent increases over your analysis period.
Choose your investment return rate (for money saved by renting), tax rate for deductions, and number of years to analyze (1-30 years). Adjust home appreciation rate based on your market.
See side-by-side comparison of total costs, equity built, tax savings, investment gains, and net costs. View year-by-year breakdown and break-even point to make an informed decision.
Calculate monthly mortgage payments
How much house can you afford?
Calculate required down payment
Should you refinance your mortgage?
Analyze rental property ROI
Comprehensive real estate analysis
View loan amortization schedule
Calculate early payoff savings