Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Should you rent or buy? Compare the total cost of renting vs. buying a home over 30 years, including appreciation, opportunity cost, and investment returns.
Rental Information
Returns if you invested the down payment and monthly savings
Purchase Information
% of home value per year
Recommendation
Monthly Cost Breakdown (Buying)
Year-by-Year Net Worth Comparison
| Year | Home Value | Buy Net Worth | Rent Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $515k | $76k | $81k |
| 3 | $546k | $31k | $41k |
| 5 | $580k | $-11k | $-1k |
| 7 | $615k | $-49k | $-44k |
| 10 | $672k | $-99k | $-113k |
| 15 | $779k | $-158k | $-235k |
| 20 | $903k | $-182k | $-367k |
| 25 | $1047k | $-161k | $-505k |
| 30 | $1214k | $-81k | $-645k |
What Is Rent vs. Buy Analysis?
A rent vs. buy analysis compares the total financial outcome of renting a home versus buying one over a 30-year period. It factors in mortgage payments, property taxes, home appreciation, rent increases, and the opportunity cost of your down payment if invested instead.
How Does the Rent vs. Buy Calculator Work?
Our calculator models both scenarios year by year. On the buy side, it tracks home value appreciation, equity buildup, and all ownership costs. On the rent side, it invests your down payment and any monthly savings in the stock market. The analysis shows which path builds more net worth over time.
Why Use Our Rent vs. Buy Calculator?
- Get a data-driven recommendation — Buy, Rent, or Either
- See year-by-year net worth comparison for both scenarios
- Adjust rent increases, home appreciation, and investment returns