Rent vs Buy

Estimate long-term cost of renting versus buying a home, including mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, appreciation, rent growth, selling costs, and the investment return on cash if you rent.

Home purchase

Home price

Down payment (%)

Mortgage rate (%)

Loan term (years)

Closing costs (%)

Property tax (%/yr)

Home insurance (%/yr)

Maintenance (%/yr)

Home appreciation (%/yr)

Selling costs (% of future price)

Renting

Current monthly rent

Rent increase (%/yr)

Compare horizon

Years to compare

Return if you invest cash instead (%/yr)

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Results

Buy: total cash out

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Down payment + closing + cumulative monthly costs − principal repaid (treated as equity)

Buy: net equity after selling

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Home value with appreciation − selling costs − remaining loan

Rent: total paid

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All rent paid over the period (with increases)

Rent: value of invested cash

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Down payment + closing cost alternative invested at chosen return

Recommendation (simplified)

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Compares net position of renting (investing cash) vs buying (equity net of sale).

Income & Take-Home • Debt Paydown • Savings Growth • Mortgage Affordability • Currency Converter