Rent vs. buy calculator
No account, email or phone. Planning estimates, not quotes or personalized advice.
Open full calculator, sources & methodology ↗Keep up to three named scenarios, then change the calculator for the next one. Saved comparisons stay in this tab and disappear when you leave. To save a file, choose “Save as PDF” in your browser’s print dialog.
Renting ends ahead on these assumptions
Estimates update as you change the numbers. Review the assumptions below.
See the breakdown
- Initial down payment + purchase costs
- $80,500
- First month ownership cost
- $2,655
- First month rent + insurance
- $2,020
- Mortgage balance at exit
- $240,275
Your plan over time
View exact values
| Period | Buying wealth | Renting wealth |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $61,714 | $92,312 |
| Year 2 | $74,930 | $104,263 |
| Year 3 | $88,672 | $116,345 |
| Year 4 | $102,964 | $128,551 |
| Year 5 | $117,833 | $140,874 |
| Year 6 | $133,307 | $153,304 |
| Year 7 | $149,416 | $165,831 |
| Year 8 | $166,191 | $178,444 |
| Year 9 | $183,665 | $191,132 |
| Year 10 | $201,874 | $203,881 |
How to read this estimate
Both paths start with the same cash. The renter invests the buyer’s down payment and purchase costs; whichever path costs less each month invests the difference. Investments compound monthly at your assumed effective annual return.
Buying wealth includes investments plus home value after selling costs and remaining mortgage debt. Rent deposits, tax deductions, capital-gains taxes and investment taxes are excluded. Without a financing override, mortgage insurance is excluded; add it to other owner costs. With a homebuying plan, initial insurance is held constant until the loan ends, so cancellation or balance-based reductions can change the result.
Future prices, rent and investment returns are uncertain. Try flat or falling home prices and a shorter stay before deciding.