Housing Decision
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare renting and buying over time using mortgage terms, rent growth, home appreciation, taxes, maintenance, closing costs, selling costs, and investment returns.
Scenario assumptions
How the comparison works
The renter invests the down payment and closing cost cash that would have been used to buy. Each month, the lower-cost option invests the monthly savings. The buyer also gets home equity at the end, after selling costs.
What can change the answer
- How long you stay in the home
- Mortgage rate and down payment
- Rent growth versus home appreciation
- Maintenance, taxes, and investment return
How to use this calculator
- Enter realistic values for your income, costs, rates, and timeline.
- Use the result cards to compare the headline numbers first.
- Review the table or explanation to understand what is driving the result.
Why this estimate is useful
This page is designed for planning and comparison. It helps you test scenarios quickly before you commit to a loan, savings plan, or housing decision.
Numbers are estimates only. For tax, legal, lending, or investment decisions, confirm details with a qualified professional.
Rent vs Buy Calculator FAQ
What does the rent vs buy result mean?
The result compares estimated net worth after the selected time horizon. It includes home equity, selling costs, and investing the money that is not spent on housing.
Why include investment return?
Renting often keeps the down payment available to invest. Buying may build equity. Comparing both paths gives a more balanced long-term view.
Is renting or buying always better?
No. The answer depends on local prices, mortgage rates, rent growth, how long you stay, maintenance, taxes, and investment assumptions.