Skip to content

Calculator

Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Compare the cost of renting against owning over the years you plan to stay.

National average benchmark, not a quote. Edit to your scenario.

Over 7 years

Buying may cost less

Estimated difference: $26,709

Total rent paid$202,289
Net cost to own$175,580
Est. appreciation gain$91,950
Est. principal paid down$34,610

Estimates only. Your actual numbers depend on your loan, credit, and property. This is a simplified model and ignores taxes on gains, selling costs, and investment of savings. Real outcomes vary widely.

Should I rent or buy right now?

It mostly comes down to how long you'll stay and the local numbers. Buying has up-front costs, so the longer you stay, the more owning tends to win as you build equity and rents climb. If you might move in a year or two, renting can be the smarter, more flexible choice. This tool helps you see that trade-off.

How long until buying pays off?

Many buyers find owning starts to beat renting somewhere in the range of a few years, but it depends on your price, rate, rent, and how fast values change. Try a few different "years to compare" values and watch which option comes out ahead. When you're ready, I can pressure-test it with real local figures.

Common questions

It compares the total cost of renting over a set number of years against the net cost of owning over the same period. Owning includes your payment, taxes, insurance, and upkeep, minus the equity and appreciation you may build. It's a simplified model to spot which path may cost less for you.

No. Over short time frames, renting can be cheaper because buying has up-front costs and selling costs you don't recover quickly. The longer you stay, the more owning tends to pull ahead as you build equity and rents rise. Your break-even depends on price, rent, and how long you'll stay.

It simplifies a lot. It doesn't model selling costs, taxes on gains, or what you'd earn by investing the money you didn't spend on a down payment. Real life is messier. Use it to get a feel for the trade-off, then we can dig into your specific numbers together.

Last updated: June 5, 2026

This calculator is for educational estimates only. It isn't an offer to lend, a quote, or a commitment to make a loan. Your actual numbers depend on your loan, credit, property, and other factors. Rates and programs may change without notice.

Estimates are great. A real plan is better.

60 seconds. No credit pull. Real options.

Find Your Rate