Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true cost of renting vs buying a home in the US over the years you plan to stay.
How to use it
Enter your current rent, the price of a comparable home, and how long you realistically plan to stay. The calculator adds up everything: for renting, your rent payments with yearly increases; for buying, your mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance and maintenance — then subtracts the equity you build and the home's appreciation, because that money comes back to you when you sell.
The rule of thumb behind it
Buying usually wins when you stay 5 years or more, because the upfront costs of buying (closing costs, selling costs) get spread over more years while equity keeps growing. Renting usually wins for short stays. This calculator shows the exact break-even point for your numbers instead of a generic rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this include closing costs?
It focuses on ongoing costs and equity, which dominate over 5+ years. For a tighter estimate, add roughly 3% of the price to the buying total for purchase and selling costs.
What appreciation rate should I use?
US home prices have averaged roughly 3–4% per year over long periods, but local markets vary widely. Try 0% for a conservative view.
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