Rent vs Buy Calculator
Should you rent or buy? Compare the true costs and investment returns to make the smartest financial decision for your situation.
Rent
Flexibility
Buy
Equity Building
ROI
Investment Return
Costs
Total Expenses
Rent Scenario
$
$
Monthly Cost
$2,020
Buy Scenario
$
$
%
$
$
Analysis
Return on investing the down payment difference
🏢 Renting Wins!
$0
Better net worth after 10 years
Buy Net Worth$0
Rent Net Worth$0
Total Rent Paid$0
Total Buy Costs$0
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | Rent Cost | Buy Cost | Home Equity | Rent Investment | Buy Net Worth | Rent Net Worth | Winner |
|---|
Understanding the Analysis
What This Calculator Includes
- • Opportunity cost of down payment
- • Tax benefits (property tax deduction)
- • Maintenance and repair costs
- • Transaction costs (buying/selling)
- • Investment returns on saved money
Factors Favoring Buying
- • High rent-to-price ratios
- • Low mortgage rates
- • Strong home appreciation
- • Long time horizon (10+ years)
- • Stable location plans
Factors Favoring Renting
- • High home prices
- • Strong investment returns
- • Short time horizon (<5 years)
- • Job flexibility needs
- • High property taxes/HOA fees