A familiar situation
If you expect to move in a few years, compare rent increases with estimated ownership equity over that same period. Change appreciation, rent growth and the horizon; taxes and maintenance still need separate treatment.
How to use this calculator
- Enter home purchase price, monthly rent, down payment and the remaining inputs.
- Select Calculate to see the answer and its breakdown.
- Keep a scenario, change an input and compare the results.
Use consistent units and check the assumptions below before applying the result.
How rent vs buy is calculated
The result follows the stated formula using only the supplied values. Treat changing rates, timing, fees and contractual rules as scenario inputs when they matter to your decision. Formula: Rent totals grow annually; owner equity = future home value − remaining amortized mortgage balance. Use the displayed details to inspect the intermediate amounts and replace example assumptions with terms from your own quote or records.
Rent totals grow annually; owner equity = future home value − remaining amortized mortgage balance.A rent-versus-buy result changes when appreciation, rent growth or the comparison horizon changes.
Assumptions & useful context
Positive value favors buying under entered assumptions; excludes taxes, upkeep, insurance, transaction costs and investment return on the down payment.
Financial projections use your assumptions. Actual returns, lender terms, fees and tax rules can differ; these results do not guarantee a future outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Rent vs Buy Calculator: what does the result include?
Compare cumulative rent with estimated ownership equity after a chosen period, using home growth and rent increases you specify. Taxes, maintenance and transaction costs are omitted. Read the detail rows for the intermediate values used in this estimate.
Rent vs Buy Calculator: which assumptions matter most?
Use the inputs shown for rent vs buy calculator and confirm current contractual, provider or official rules where they affect your decision.