Rent vs Buy Calculator

What each one costs over the years you actually plan to stay.

Buying builds equity but carries costs renting does not: taxes, insurance, maintenance, and the money spent on closing. How the comparison lands depends heavily on how long you stay.

How long

Years you plan to stay

If you rent

Monthly rent

Assumed annual rent increase

Monthly renters insurance

If you buy

Home price

Down payment

Interest rate

Term in years

Annual property tax rate

Annual homeowners insurance

Annual maintenance as a share of value

Closing and selling costsBuying and selling costs combined, as a share of the price.

Assumed annual home appreciation

Over Your Time Horizon

Net cost of each

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The results are hypothetical, are based solely on the figures you enter and the assumptions stated on this page, and do not account for taxes, fees, or your individual circumstances unless specifically noted. They are not a projection or a guarantee of future results, and they are not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Nothing on this page is an offer or a solicitation to buy any product. Please consult a qualified tax or legal professional about your situation. Nothing you enter is transmitted or stored. All figures remain in your browser and are cleared when you close this page. This is a simplified comparison. It does not model tax deductions, private mortgage insurance, HOA dues, rent control, the return you might earn by investing a down payment instead, or transaction costs beyond those you enter. Home appreciation is an assumption, not a guarantee, and home values can decline.