Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the monthly cost of renting and buying.
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About the Rent vs Buy Calculator
Trying to decide between renting and buying? Enter your rent and the home's price, down payment, mortgage rate and term, plus monthly taxes, insurance, and upkeep, and the calculator compares the monthly cost of each. Remember buying also builds equity and can offer tax benefits, which a pure monthly comparison doesn't capture.
How to use the Rent vs Buy Calculator
- 01Enter your rent, home price, down payment, rate, term, and monthly costs.
- 02Read the result instantly — it recalculates as you type.
- 03Adjust the numbers to model different scenarios.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to rent or buy?
It depends on prices, rates, and how long you'll stay. This tool compares the monthly cost; buying also builds equity, which favors owning over time.
What does this leave out?
Equity growth, home appreciation, tax deductions, and transaction costs. Use the monthly comparison as one input, not the whole decision.