Housing & Mortgage

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare renting and buying over time using a simplified net worth model.

Basics

Monthly rentiUse your current or expected monthly rent.

Home priceiEnter the purchase price you are considering.

Down paymentiEnter your planned down payment.

Mortgage rateiUse the mortgage rate you want to test.

Expected home appreciationiEnter an annual home price growth assumption.

Investment return assumptioniEnter the return a renter might earn by investing the down payment and monthly savings.

Time horizoniHow long you want to compare renting versus buying.

years

The better choice depends on local prices, rent, interest rates, time horizon, and lifestyle flexibility.

Owners should budget for property tax, insurance, maintenance, repairs, condo fees, closing costs, and selling costs.

Money used for a down payment could otherwise be invested. This is a major part of rent-versus-buy comparisons.

Frequently asked questions

Does this predict home prices?+

No. Appreciation is an assumption you control.

Why include investment return?+

Renters may invest the cash that would otherwise go toward a down payment or higher monthly ownership costs.