Renter Resources

Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Not sure whether to rent or buy a home? Our simple rent vs. buy calculator breaks down the numbers to show which option is best for you.

Renting

Your upfront and ongoing rental costs.
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Buying

Cost of buying a home over time.
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Financial Assumptions

Factors that impact long-term results.
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Total costs after 3 years

Rent Buy
Initial costs
Recurring costs
Opportunity costs
Net proceeds
Total (Inflation adjusted)
This calculator provides a broad approximation and is intended for educational use. Projections are based on the data supplied and should not serve as a resource for decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Renting vs. Buying?

Get practical answers to help you make the best financial choice.

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It compares the total long-term cost of renting versus buying by factoring in upfront expenses, monthly payments, tax savings, property appreciation, and opportunity cost. Based on your inputs, it shows when or if buying becomes the more cost-effective choice.
Enter your monthly rent, home price, down payment, mortgage details, and time horizon. Advanced settings let you adjust for taxes, insurance, maintenance, appreciation, and inflation. If you're unsure, built-in national averages provide a solid starting point.
It's the number of years until buying becomes cheaper than renting. The calculator highlights this moment by accounting for equity gains, appreciation, and upfront costs, so you know how long you'd need to stay for a home purchase to pay off.
Yes. Future costs are adjusted for inflation to today's dollars. It also considers potential investment returns on your down payment. It includes mortgage interest and property tax deductions, assuming you itemize.
No. Renting offers flexibility and lower short-term costs, but buying can build wealth over time. This calculator helps you compare both paths side by side, based on your numbers, not generic rules of thumb.
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Ashley Morgan - Founder & CEO
“Renting or buying is a major financial decision. This tool helps you make the smartest move based on real numbers, not guesswork.”
Ashley Morgan
Founder & CEO
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