Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Home Purchase Details

Home Price ?  
Down Payment ?  
Mortgage Rate ? %
Loan Term ?  
Property Tax Rate ? %
Home Insurance ? /year
PMI (if applicable) ? /month

Rental Details

Monthly Rent ? /month
Renter's Insurance ? /year
Annual Rent Increase ? %

Additional Costs & Assumptions

Maintenance & Repairs ? % of home value
Home Appreciation ? % per year
Investment Return ? % per year
Tax Rate ? %
Analysis Period ?  
 

Buying is Better:   Save $47,832

  Buying Renting
7-Year Cost Analysis Amount Amount
Monthly Payment $2,021 $2,500
Property Tax $400 $0
Insurance $100 $17
PMI $200 $0
Maintenance $333 $0
Total Monthly Cost $3,054 $2,517
55% 45% Buying ($3,054/mo) Renting ($2,517/mo)
7-Year Total Costs Buying Renting
Total Payments $255,528 $231,420
Down Payment $80,000 $0
Closing Costs $8,000 $0
Opportunity Cost $15,432 $0
Home Equity Built -$45,892 $0
Home Appreciation -$110,900 $0
Net 7-Year Cost $202,168 $231,420
Difference (Savings) $29,252 saved by buying
Break-Even Analysis Time Details
Break-Even Point 4.2 years Buying becomes cheaper
Monthly Difference $537 Buying costs more monthly
Annual Savings (Year 7) $4,179 By buying vs renting

Rent vs Buy Analysis Over Time

Cumulative Cost Comparison $0 $100K $200K $300K Year 1 Year 4 Year 7 Buying (Net Cost) Renting (Total Cost)

Market Scenario Analysis
Scenario Home Appreciation 7-Year Savings Recommendation
Conservative 2.0% -$15,432 Rent
Moderate 3.5% $29,252 Buy
Optimistic 5.0% $73,936 Buy
Hot Market 7.0% $118,620 Buy

Time Period Analysis

Time Period Buying Net Cost Renting Total Cost Difference
3 Years $145,832 $95,420 -$50,412
5 Years $178,256 $162,350 -$15,906
7 Years $202,168 $231,420 $29,252
10 Years $215,892 $342,180 $126,288

Key Financial Factors

Factor Impact on Decision Current Value Assessment
Down Payment Favors Renting $80,000 High
Monthly Cost Difference Favors Renting $537 Significant
Home Appreciation Favors Buying 3.5% Moderate
Tax Benefits Favors Buying 25% bracket Good

Decision Analysis

🏠 Buying is Recommended
Based on your 7-year analysis period, buying saves $29,252 compared to renting. While buying has higher monthly costs ($537 more), the combination of equity building, home appreciation, and tax benefits makes it financially advantageous. The break-even point occurs at 4.2 years, after which buying becomes increasingly cost-effective.

Important Considerations:

  • This analysis assumes you'll stay in the home for the full analysis period
  • Home appreciation rates can vary significantly by location and market conditions
  • Consider your job stability, family plans, and local market trends
  • Renting offers more flexibility for relocation and lifestyle changes
  • Buying builds equity but requires ongoing maintenance and repairs