Rent vs buy compares the cumulative rent paid over a stay with the net cost of owning, where the net cost subtracts the equity built through appreciation and principal repayment.
Formula: ownership cost = down payment + mortgage payments + taxes + maintenance − ending equity; compare with total rent
Example: Over 1 year: $12,000 rent vs $2,200 net ownership cost (after $22,666.67 equity), so buying is cheaper by $9,800.
Finance
Instant, private, and free
Rent vs Buy Calculator.
Compare the total cost of renting vs. buying a home over time
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Results update as you type.
Rental Assumptions
Home Buying Assumptions
By Buying, you would save $130,813 over 7 years.
Rental Total Cost
Home Buying Net Cost
Buying involves risks like market downturns and unexpected major repairs. Renting provides more flexibility but no equity growth.
FAQs
Is it better to rent or buy?
It depends on your local market, how long you plan to stay, and your financial situation. Generally, buying is better if you stay 5-7+ years, as equity growth usually offsets high transaction costs.
What is the break-even year?
The break-even year is the point when the total cost of buying (including closing costs and maintenance) becomes lower than the cumulative cost of renting.
What costs should I consider when buying?
Beyond the mortgage, consider property taxes, home insurance, maintenance (typically 1% of home value/yr), closing costs (2-5% of price), and future selling costs.
Cite this calculator
Canonical URL: https://mathify.one/en/finance/rent-vs-buy
Cite as: Mathify. (2026). Rent vs Buy Calculator. https://mathify.one/en/finance/rent-vs-buy
Use Cases
Planning for future housing costs
This tool helps you project your housing costs over several years, considering both renting and buying scenarios. It can assist in budgeting and financial planning for major life decisions.
Example: See how a 5% annual appreciation rate impacts the total cost of buying compared to renting over 15 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the Rent vs Buy Calculator compare renting and buying?
- The calculator estimates the total cost of renting over the comparison years, including monthly rent, estimated rent increases, and renter's insurance. It also estimates the total cost of buying, including mortgage payments, property taxes, home insurance, maintenance, and appreciation. The difference shows which option is more cost-effective over time.
- What inputs do I need to use the Rent vs Buy Calculator?
- You need to provide monthly rent, estimated rent increase, renter's insurance per month, comparison years, home price, down payment, interest rate, loan term, property tax rate, annual home insurance, maintenance per year (as a percentage), and annual appreciation. All fields are required for an accurate comparison.
- Does the calculator account for home appreciation?
- Yes, the calculator includes an annual appreciation rate input. This is used to estimate the future value of the home, which is considered part of the total cost of buying. A higher appreciation rate can make buying more attractive over time.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
- Enter realistic estimates for rent increase and home appreciation based on historical trends in your area.
- Consider the full cost of homeownership, including property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, not just the mortgage payment.
- Use the comparison years to match your expected time in the home; longer periods often favor buying.
- Remember that this is an estimate and does not include all possible costs, such as HOA fees or utilities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to include renter's insurance or underestimating its cost, which can add up over time.
- Using an unrealistically low maintenance percentage; homes typically require 1-3% of home value per year.
- Ignoring the impact of down payment and interest rate on the total cost of buying; a larger down payment reduces loan costs.
Last updated: September 11, 2026