Renting or buying

Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Compare the cost of renting and buying over the same number of years, including home equity, moving costs and investing the difference.

Renting

Monthly rent

Annual rent increase

Annual renter's insurance

Refundable deposit

Nonrefundable move-in costs

Buying

Purchase price

Down payment

Mortgage rate

Mortgage term

Annual property tax

Annual homeowners insurance

Monthly HOA or condo dues

Annual maintenance as percent of home value

Buying closing costs

Annual home appreciation

Selling costs

Include mortgage insurance (PMI or MIP)

Comparison assumptions

Holding period

Investment return after fees and taxes

Invest the upfront and monthly cash you saveInclude a net annual tax benefit I calculated elsewhere

We do not automatically estimate mortgage-interest deductions, home-sale tax exclusions or local costs. Enter any tax benefit you want to include yourself.

Results

Enter the renting and buying details. Property tax and homeowners insurance are required.