CALCULATORS & PLANNERS

Rent vs Buy

Know when buying actually beats renting — with equity, opportunity cost, and the real monthly all-in number.

Scenario

Home Price

Down Payment %

Mortgage Rate %

Mortgage Term (years)

Property Tax %

HOI + HOA / month

Maintenance % / year

Home Appreciation % / year

Monthly Rent

Annual Rent Increase %

Investment Return %

Years to Compare: 10

Verdict

Renting wins for at least 10 years

Based on a 10-year horizon with your inputs. Comparing the true cost of ownership (after equity and opportunity cost) vs. cumulative rent.

Total Owning Cost

$411,357

Out-of-pocket$547,495

Equity built$332,854

Opportunity cost$96,715

Total Renting Cost

$343,916

Sum of monthly rent over 10 years, compounding at 3% per year.

All-In Monthly Cost of Buying

Principal & Interest$2,528

Property Tax$500

Insurance + HOA$150

Maintenance$417

True Monthly Cost$3,595

Down Payment in Life Units

A down payment of $100,000 equals 3,448 working hours — about 1.7 years of full-time labor at your wage.

Hourly Wage

Default: US median full-time wage.