Free Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Compare the total cost of renting against the net cost of buying — including equity and appreciation — over the years you'd stay.
Estimates only, not financial advice.
Renting
Buying
Renting
Buying
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the cost of buying calculated?
It totals your down payment, closing costs, and monthly payments (principal, interest, property tax, insurance, and maintenance) over the years you'd stay, then subtracts what you'd walk away with if you sold — the home's projected value minus your remaining loan balance.
Does this include closing costs?
Yes — enter an estimated closing cost percentage (commonly around 2-5% of the home price) and it's added to your upfront cost of buying.
What about home appreciation?
The calculator projects the home's value forward at your entered appreciation rate and credits that value (minus your remaining mortgage) back against the cost of buying, since that equity is money you'd recover by selling.
Should I always buy if this says it's cheaper?
Not necessarily — this only compares dollar costs. Renting offers flexibility and fewer surprise expenses; buying builds equity but ties up capital and comes with maintenance responsibility. Your personal plans matter as much as the math.
Is this financial advice?
No — this is an estimate for planning purposes only, not financial advice. Real appreciation, rent increases, and costs vary and are never guaranteed.