Should I Buy or Rent?
Compare the true cost of buying vs renting over time
Enter your home price, rent, and how long you plan to stay. The calculator compares total costs including mortgage, taxes, maintenance, appreciation, and the opportunity cost of your down payment.
$70,000 down
Over 10 years
Renting saves you $75,383
Buying never breaks even within 10 years
$160,675
$85,292
$259,390
Never
Cumulative Net Cost Over Time
How This Calculator Works
Buying Costs
Includes mortgage principal and interest, property taxes (growing with home value), homeowner's insurance, maintenance, HOA fees, buying closing costs (3%), and realtor selling costs (6%). Credits equity built through principal repayment and home appreciation, minus what you'd pay to sell.
Renting Costs
Includes monthly rent (increasing annually) and renter's insurance. Assumes the down payment money is invested instead, earning compound returns. Monthly savings (when mortgage costs exceed rent) are also invested. The investment portfolio offsets total renting costs.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on simplified assumptions. Actual costs depend on specific market conditions, tax benefits, closing costs, and many other factors not modeled here. This is not financial advice.