Rent vs Buy Calculator

How to compare renting and buying

1. Enter the home price, down payment, mortgage and buying costs.
2. Enter property tax, upkeep, insurance, the expected growth in home prices and the selling costs.
3. Enter the rent, rent increases, the return you could earn on savings and how long you would stay.

Frequently asked questions

How is the comparison made?

Both sides spend the same each month. Whoever pays less invests the difference, and the renter invests the down payment and buying costs. At the end the buyer has the home, less selling costs and the mortgage left, plus investments; the renter has investments.

Why does staying longer favour buying?

Buying and selling costs are paid once, so they weigh less the longer you stay, while your equity keeps growing.