Rent vs Buy Calculator
Make an informed decision about renting versus buying by comparing all costs, benefits, and opportunity costs over time.
Complete Cost Analysis
Our calculator goes beyond simple payment comparisons to include:
- Opportunity Cost - Investment returns you could earn by investing the difference between rent and buy costs
- Tax Benefits - Mortgage interest and property tax deductions (respecting SALT cap)
- Home Equity - Build wealth through principal paydown and home appreciation
- Maintenance & Costs - Realistic estimates for repairs, insurance, HOA fees, and closing costs
- Rent Growth - Factor in annual rent increases over time
- Home Appreciation - Historical or expected home value growth
Interactive Visualizations
See your results through multiple lenses:
- Net worth comparison over time (rent vs buy)
- Cumulative cost breakdown charts
- Monthly cost comparison
- Break-even analysis showing when buying becomes more advantageous
- Detailed amortization schedules
When to Rent vs Buy
Renting May Be Better If:
- You plan to move within 3-5 years
- Home prices are very high relative to rents in your area
- You have limited down payment savings
- You want flexibility and minimal maintenance responsibility
- Investment returns exceed home appreciation
Buying May Be Better If:
- You plan to stay 5+ years
- You want to build equity and wealth
- Home prices are reasonable relative to rents
- You have a stable income and emergency fund
- You value ownership and customization
- Tax benefits are significant for your situation