Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the long-run financial outcome of renting vs buying.

Home Price ($)

Down Payment ($)

Mortgage Rate (%)

Monthly Rent ($)

Annual Appreciation (%)

Annual Rent Increase (%)

Years to Compare

Buying Advantage

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Net Buy Cost

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Net Rent Cost

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Home Value End

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Equity Built

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How it works

Buying typically wins past year 5–7 in most markets due to equity buildup and home appreciation. Renting wins for shorter horizons because of upfront transaction costs (closing fees, moving). This calculator omits opportunity cost on the down payment — for a fairer apples-to-apples view, consider what that money could earn invested.

For informational purposes only. Not financial advice.