Rent vs Buy Calculator - Should You Rent or Buy
Compare the true cost of renting vs buying over time.
Tool Interface
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true cost of renting vs buying a home over time, and find your break-even point.
How to use
Enter the home details, your rent, and how long you plan to stay. Press Compare to see the net cost of buying vs renting, and the year buying starts winning. Reset restores the example values.
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About This Tool
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the rent vs buy calculator decide?
Enter the home price, mortgage details and ongoing ownership costs on the buying side, plus your current rent and expected rent increases. It compares total costs over time and shows which option comes out ahead.
What costs of owning does it include?
Mortgage payments, property tax, homeowner insurance, maintenance and buying closing costs — the full picture, not just the monthly payment.
What is the breakeven point?
The breakeven point is the year when buying becomes cheaper than renting. Short stays usually favor renting; the longer you stay, the more buying tends to win.
Does it account for home price growth?
The comparison focuses on costs you can control and verify. Home appreciation is speculative, so treat any equity gains as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Is the rent vs buy calculator free?
Yes. It is free to use with no signup and no limits.