Finance calculator
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare estimated monthly ownership cost with monthly 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.
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?+
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?+
Compare estimated monthly ownership cost with monthly rent.
How accurate is the Rent vs Buy Calculator?+
Rent vs Buy Calculator applies the formula and assumptions shown on this page. Results may be rounded for readability, so verify changing rates, thresholds, medical guidance, or legal rules with the cited source or a qualified professional.
What should I check before using the Rent vs Buy Calculator result?+
Check that the units, dates, rates, and assumptions match your situation. Change one input at a time to understand which values have the largest effect on the result.
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
Enter your details
Enter monthly rent, then complete any other fields shown in the calculator.
- 2
Check the calculation
Review the result alongside the monthly ownership estimate: Buy cost = mortgage payment + taxes/insurance/maintenance - rent.
- 3
Compare scenarios
Change one or more inputs to see how they affect the rent vs Buy Calculator result before you use the estimate.
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