Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Compare estimated rent costs with the net cost of buying over a chosen time horizon.

Your inputs

Your result

Enter your information and select Calculate to see the result.

How this calculator works

Rent is increased annually. Buying includes down payment, closing costs, mortgage payments, property tax, maintenance, remaining loan balance, and estimated sale value. CFPB guidance emphasizes including these ownership costs rather than comparing rent with principal and interest alone.

Change one assumption at a time to see which inputs have the greatest effect on the estimate.

Worked example

Use the same seven-year horizon for both options to compare like periods.

Limitations

The estimate excludes taxes, insurance, selling costs, investment returns, and many local or personal factors. Replace national planning assumptions with local figures. Editorial review is required before publication.

Review this educational estimate against current quotes, official information, and your own budget before making a financial decision.