Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Compare the true financial cost of renting vs. buying over your expected time horizon — including equity, appreciation, and opportunity cost.
Your Scenario
Adjust inputs to match your local market and plans.
Renting
Buying
💡 The Price-to-Rent Ratio
Divide home price by annual rent to get the price-to-rent ratio. Under 15 generally favors buying; above 20 often favors renting. This calculator goes deeper — accounting for appreciation, equity, and your time horizon.
Cost Comparison
Ready to see real rates for your numbers?
Share a few details and we'll help you compare real offers — no hard credit pull to get started.
Request Free QuoteNo spam. No hard pull. Your info is never sold.
Beyond the numbers
This calculator compares financial outcomes — but the rent vs. buy decision also involves flexibility, lifestyle, and personal goals. Renting offers mobility. Buying builds equity and stability. Neither is universally better.
Key financial factors this calculator models: rent inflation (~3%/yr), home appreciation (~4%/yr), opportunity cost on your down payment (7% invested return), and equity built through amortization and appreciation.
Factors it doesn't model: the psychological value of homeownership, renovation costs, local market volatility, or the tax benefits of the mortgage interest deduction. Read our full buyer's guide →
Get your personalized mortgage strategy
Loan overview · Total cost · Payoff year · Scenario comparisons · Strategy insights
Compare Today's Top Lender Rates
Rates update daily. See what lenders are offering for your loan type and location — no obligation required.
Rates shown are representative estimates. Actual offers depend on credit score, loan amount, and location. View full rate table →
Related Tools
Get the Free Mortgage Planning Checklist
A practical, plain-English guide to preparing for a mortgage application — from credit score to closing day.
Free. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.