Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the costs of renting vs buying a home over time
🔗
Get Embed Code Embed This Tool
Add this tool to your website with customizable styling
How to Use
- 1 Enter home details — Input purchase price, down payment, and mortgage rate.
- 2 Add rental costs — Enter monthly rent and expected annual rent increase.
- 3 Set time horizon — Specify how many years you plan to stay in the home.
- 4 Review results — Compare total costs and see which option saves you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the rent vs buy calculator work?
It compares total costs over time, including appreciation, rent increases, mortgage payments, taxes, and opportunity costs.
What factors should I consider when deciding to rent or buy?
Consider time horizon, local market conditions, down payment, mortgage rates, property taxes, maintenance, and investment alternatives.
How long should I plan to stay for buying to make sense?
Generally 5-7 years minimum allows time to offset closing costs and build equity through appreciation.
Does the calculator account for home maintenance costs?
Yes, maintenance is included as a percentage of home value. You can adjust this based on property age and condition.