Rent vs Buy Calculator

Enter your situation and see exactly when buying becomes cheaper than renting — and by how much.

Your Situation

Monthly Rent $

Home Price $

Down Payment $

Mortgage Rate %

Annual Tax $

Years to Stay 7 yrs

Advanced Assumptions

Home Appreciation %/yr

Rent Increase %/yr

Closing Costs %

Maintenance %/yr

Your Result

Based on your numbers

—

Breakeven Point —
Total Rent Cost (7 yrs) —
Net Buy Cost (7 yrs) —
Monthly Mortgage Est. —

Renting Buying (net)

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Is It Better to Rent or Buy?

The honest answer: it depends on how long you stay, what rates you qualify for, and what's happening in your local market. This calculator does the math so you don't have to guess.

The Breakeven Point Explained

Buying a home has high upfront costs — closing costs, down payment, maintenance — that renting doesn't. Over time, home equity and fixed payments make buying cheaper. The breakeven point is the year when buying's total net cost dips below what you would have paid in rent. If you plan to stay longer than that, buying is likely the better financial move.

What "Net Buy Cost" Means

We subtract the equity you build (principal paid down + home appreciation) from your total housing costs. This gives a realistic comparison with renting — because unlike rent, the money you put into a mortgage partially comes back to you as equity when you sell.

Renting Isn't "Throwing Money Away"

Renting gives you flexibility, no maintenance costs, and keeps your savings liquid. If you plan to move in 2–3 years, renting is often the smarter financial choice even if buying "builds equity." The calculator shows you exactly where the line is for your numbers.