Real Estate

Rent vs. buy calculator

Compare renting and investing with buying using a mortgage, upfront costs, appreciation and editable assumptions.

Net-worth comparison

Rent and invest or buy

Enter the main inputs. Advanced assumptions remain editable below the result.

Your rent
$
%
The home
$
%
years

This is the comparison horizon. If you sell before the mortgage ends, the remaining balance is subtracted.

Mortgage
%
years

Advanced assumptions
%
%
%
%
%
%

Annual comparison

The table shows estimated net worth, cash flow and mortgage balance at the end of each year.

Horizon
Pending
Break-even
Pending

Calculate a scenario to view the annual comparison.

Publicidad

How to read the result

The calculator does not decide for you; it makes the assumptions that often drive the comparison visible.

Net worth while renting

Adds the initial capital not used to buy and cash-flow differences invested during the horizon.

Net worth while buying

Starts with the home's estimated value and subtracts the remaining mortgage balance and selling costs.

Break-even point

Marks the first year when buying reaches or exceeds the estimated net worth from renting.

Frequently asked questions

What costs are included when buying a home?

The calculation includes the down payment, purchase costs, mortgage payments, maintenance, property tax, estimated appreciation and selling costs.

How does appreciation affect the result?

Appreciation changes the home's estimated value at the end of the horizon. Higher appreciation improves equity in the buying scenario; negative appreciation reduces it.

What is the alternative return on the down payment and upfront costs?

It is the hypothetical return from investing money not used to buy: the down payment, upfront costs and cash-flow differences when buying costs more than renting.

Why compare net worth instead of only monthly payments?

Buying creates both an asset and debt, while renting may leave capital invested. Comparing net worth captures both sides of the scenario.

What does the net-worth break-even point mean?

It is the first year when the estimated net worth from buying equals or exceeds the estimated net worth from renting.

Does the calculator recommend buying or renting?

No. It presents a scenario with editable assumptions. The actual decision depends on liquidity, location, risk, taxes, loan terms and personal plans.