Buy vs. Rent

Compare buying versus renting a home with monthly costs, equity buildup, and break-even timing. Free buy vs rent calculator, instant results.

Results

Savings by Buying

$30,590.95

Details

Net Buy Cost (5 yrs)$59,409.05
Total Rent Cost (5 yrs)$90,000.00
Estimated Home Equity$127,393.27

Notes

Includes mortgage principal and interest, down payment, closing costs, property tax, insurance, maintenance, appreciation, and remaining equity. It excludes selling costs, rent growth, investment returns, tax effects, HOA fees, and PMI.

How this calculator works

Compare buying versus renting a home with monthly costs, equity buildup, and break-even timing. Free buy vs rent calculator, instant results.

Formula

Loan amount = home price × (1 − down payment). The mortgage payment uses the standard amortizing-loan formula. Net buy cost = down payment + closing costs + mortgage payments + property tax + insurance + maintenance − estimated equity. Equity = appreciated home value − remaining balance. Savings = total rent − net buy cost.

Worked example

A $300,000 home with 20% down, a 5% 30-year mortgage, and $1,500 monthly rent, using the other default costs over 5 years. Net buy cost is $59,409.05 and rent totals $90,000, so buying saves $30,590.95.

Notes

Includes mortgage principal and interest, down payment, closing costs, property tax, insurance, maintenance, appreciation, and remaining equity. It excludes selling costs, rent growth, investment returns, tax effects, HOA fees, and PMI.

Inputs

  • Home Price ($)
  • Down Payment (%)
  • Interest Rate (%)
  • Loan Term (years)
  • Monthly Rent ($)
  • Annual Property Tax (%)
  • Annual Home Insurance ($)
  • Annual Maintenance (%)
  • Closing Costs (%)
  • Annual Home Appreciation (%)
  • Years to Compare

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