Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Discover whether buying a home or renting & investing the difference makes more financial sense for your situation.

The decision to buy a home or continue renting is one of the most debated topics in personal finance. It’s not just about the monthly payment; it’s about comparing the total cost of homeownership (including taxes, maintenance, and interest) against the cost of renting while investing your potential down payment in the market.

How to use: Input your monthly rent and the purchase price of the home you are considering. Add details like the expected mortgage rate, property taxes, and your estimated investment return. The calculator will run a side-by-side comparison to show you which option builds more wealth over your desired time horizon.

Home Purchase Details

Home Price ($)

Down Payment ($)

Mortgage Rate (% p.a.)

Loan Term (years)

Property Tax (% p.a.)

Home Insurance ($/yr)

HOA Fees ($/mo)

Maintenance (% of home/yr)

Closing Costs ($)

Selling Costs (% of price)

Renting Details

Monthly Rent ($)

Annual Rent Increase (%)

Renter's Insurance ($/yr)

Market & Investment Assumptions

Time Horizon (years)

Home Appreciation (% p.a.)

Investment Return (% p.a.)

Capital Gains Tax (%)

Marginal Income Tax Rate (%)

🏠 Buying — Net Worth After Yrs

Home Value

Mortgage Balance

Selling Costs

Total Out-of-Pocket

Net Worth (Buy)

🏢 Renting — Net Worth After Yrs

Total Rent Paid

Down Payment Invested

Savings Invested

Portfolio (after tax)

Net Worth (Rent)

⏱ Break-Even Point