Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term estimated cost of renting with the cost of buying a home.
Enter your details
Guide
How this rent vs buy calculator works
This tool compares renting with buying by estimating cumulative housing costs, home equity, appreciation, rent growth, and investment return on the unused down payment.
Enter buying costs
Include the mortgage terms plus property tax, insurance, HOA, maintenance, and expected appreciation.
Enter renting costs
Include rent, renter's insurance, rent increases, and the return you might earn by investing the down payment instead.
Set the time horizon
The number of years you stay often drives the result because buying has large upfront and ownership costs.
FAQs
How is rent vs buy calculated?
The tool estimates yearly renting and buying costs, subtracts estimated home equity from buying, and subtracts investment gains from renting.
Why does time horizon matter?
Buying usually has higher upfront costs, while renting may grow over time. Staying longer gives equity and appreciation more time to matter.
What costs do buyers often forget?
Common misses include maintenance, property tax increases, HOA fees, insurance, repairs, closing costs, and selling costs.
How do appreciation and investment return affect results?
Home appreciation can make buying look better, while investment return on unused down payment can make renting look better.
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