Finance calculator

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare estimated monthly ownership cost with monthly rent.

FormulaBuy cost = mortgage payment + taxes/insurance/maintenance - rent

Formula

Monthly ownership estimate

Rent-vs-buy decisions also depend on taxes, appreciation, repairs, transaction costs, and how long you stay.

Buy cost = mortgage payment + taxes/insurance/maintenance - rent

A positive difference means buying costs more per month than renting under the entered assumptions.

FAQ5 common questions for this calculator.

FAQs

Does this include every ownership cost?+

No. It provides a fast estimate from the monthly assumptions you enter.

How does the Rent vs Buy Calculator calculate the result?+

For the Rent vs Buy Calculator, it uses the Monthly ownership estimate: Buy cost = mortgage payment + taxes/insurance/maintenance - rent. A positive difference means buying costs more per month than renting under the entered assumptions.

What information do I need to use the Rent vs Buy Calculator?+

Enter the money values, rates, dates, quantities, or assumptions requested by the form. Keep every amount in the same currency or business period before comparing the Rent vs Buy Calculator result.

How accurate is the Rent vs Buy Calculator?+

Rent vs Buy Calculator is accurate for the rates, amounts, dates, and rules entered. It uses the Monthly ownership estimate shown on this page. Real products can differ because of fees, taxes, contract terms, or changing official thresholds.

What should I check before using the Rent vs Buy Calculator result?+

For the Rent vs Buy Calculator, check the entered amounts, rates, dates, and rules, then compare the Monthly ownership estimate and worked example with the contract or source you will rely on. Fees, tax year, currency, and payment timing can change the final decision.

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Finance guide

How to use the Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare estimated monthly ownership cost with monthly rent. The page also explains the monthly ownership estimate and shows a practical example: A positive difference means buying costs more per month than renting under the entered assumptions.

  1. 1

    Enter your details

    Enter monthly rent, then complete any other fields shown in the calculator.

  2. 2

    Check the calculation

    Review the result alongside the monthly ownership estimate: Buy cost = mortgage payment + taxes/insurance/maintenance - rent.

  3. 3

    Compare scenarios

    Change one or more inputs to see how they affect the rent vs Buy Calculator result before you use the estimate.