Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the total cost of renting versus buying a home over time

Buying

Home Price

Down Payment

Interest Rate (%)

Loan Term (years)

Property Tax (%/yr)

Home Insurance ($/mo)

Maintenance ($/mo)

Home Appreciation (%/yr)

Renting

Monthly Rent

Rent Increase (%/yr)

Renter's Insurance ($/mo)

Investment Return (%/yr)

Timeline

Years to Compare

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Total Cost of Buying

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Total Cost of Renting

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Home Equity Built

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Investment Portfolio

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Net Cost (Buy)

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Net Cost (Rent)

When you buy, your down payment is locked in the home. When you rent, that money could be invested in the stock market instead.

As a homeowner, each mortgage payment builds equity. Plus home appreciation increases your net worth over time.

Buying includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and closing costs. Renting is simpler but you build no equity.