Buying wins
$0
Net cost comparison over the selected period.
Decision calculator
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term cost of renting with the net cost of owning a home after mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance, appreciation, equity, and selling costs.
Rent vs. buy guide
What this rent vs. buy calculator does
This rent vs. buy calculator compares the long-term cost of renting with the net cost of owning a home. It accounts for mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance, appreciation, equity, rent increases, and selling costs.
Updated May 13, 2026. Educational estimate only.
How to use it
- Enter your current or expected rent.
- Add home price, down payment, mortgage rate, and loan term.
- Include ownership costs such as taxes, insurance, HOA, and maintenance.
- Choose assumptions for rent growth and home appreciation.
- Compare the long-term cost of renting versus buying.
Example
Buying can build equity, but ownership also comes with transaction costs, repairs, maintenance, taxes, and selling costs. Renting can be cheaper over shorter periods or when flexibility is valuable.
Common assumptions
Rent vs. buy results are highly sensitive to home appreciation, rent growth, mortgage rates, investment returns, taxes, maintenance, and how long you stay in the home.
Related calculators
Is buying always better than renting?
No. Buying often works better over longer periods, but renting can make more sense when flexibility, lower upfront cost, or short time horizon matters.
What is the most important assumption?
Time in the home is one of the biggest drivers because buying and selling have large transaction costs.
Does this include home equity?
Yes, the calculator compares ownership after considering equity, selling costs, and other ownership assumptions supported by the page.
Related guide: How much house can you afford?.