MORTGAGE & HOUSING

Rent vs Buy Calculator: Should You Rent or Buy a Home?

Compare the real cost of renting versus buying over time. See your break-even point and understand which option makes more financial sense based on your situation.

Your Scenario

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Total Cost Over Time

Shows total cash you pay over time (not including equity or investment gains)

Renting is financially better in your scenario

After 7 years, your total out-of-pocket costs will be about $211,484.00 for renting and $534,460.00 for buying. Renting is the better financial decision here. The heavy upfront costs and interest from buying are not recovered within your 7-year timeline.

Break-even

Never

Buy Cost

$534,460.00

Rent Cost

$211,484.00

Difference

$322,976.00

Try different scenarios

What your results mean

This comparison shows both what you actually pay and your financial position over time. We separate two things: • what you pay out of pocket • what you build over time Buying is not always better. If you stay for a shorter period, renting is often cheaper. If you stay longer, buying may start to make more financial sense. The break-even point shows when buying starts to outperform renting.

Rent vs Buy: Decision Guide

If renting is better

Buying may cost more because your timeline is short or the upfront costs are too high.

  • →Keep renting for now
  • →Save for a stronger down payment
  • →Revisit the decision later

Year-by-Year Breakdown

YearBuy CostRent CostDifference
1$119,231.00$27,600.00$91,631.00
2$186,999.00$56,028.00$130,971.00
3$255,319.00$85,309.00$170,010.00
4$324,207.00$115,468.00$208,739.00
5$393,682.00$146,532.00$247,150.00
6$463,760.00$178,528.00$285,232.00
7$534,460.00$211,484.00$322,976.00
8$605,800.00$245,428.00$360,372.00
9$677,800.00$280,391.00$397,409.00
10$750,479.00$316,403.00$434,076.00

Estimates based on your inputs. Actual results may vary. Terms →

What to calculate next

Home Affordability Calculator

Most buyers use a home affordability calculator to estimate how much house they can realistically afford based on income, debt, and monthly budget.

Down Payment Calculator

Most buyers use a down payment calculator to estimate how much cash they need upfront and how it affects their monthly payment.

Mortgage Payoff Calculator

Calculate how many years of payments you can skip by adding to your principal.

Learn More Before You Decide

Is It Better to Rent or Buy?

Learn when renting makes more sense and when buying may be the better long-term financial decision.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?

Learn how to evaluate whether buying a home makes sense now based on affordability and timing.

This tool helps you compare scenarios and understand trade-offs. Your actual decision depends on your timeline, finances, and personal priorities.

Rent vs Buy Calculator — Compare the Real Cost of Renting vs Buying