Mortgage calculator
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare total multi-year renting and homeownership costs and equity.
September 2026
Enter your details
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How we calculate
A transparent estimate you can inspect.
Formula
Compares the exact geometric series of cumulative rent paid against the net cost of buying (Down payment + Total P&I paid + Property taxes minus Home equity realized at sale: Future home value minus Remaining unpaid mortgage principal).
Privacy
Your values are calculated locally and are not sent to a server by this calculator.
Use with care
Results are for informational purposes, not financial, tax, legal, lending, or investment advice.
Understanding your results
The cost difference is a simplified comparison under the included rent, tax, financing, and appreciation assumptions.
Assumptions and limitations
- Excludes maintenance, transaction costs, PMI, insurance, and opportunity cost.
Common questions
Before you decide
Does this include every home cost?
No. Review the included fields and plan separately for maintenance, closing costs, and PMI where relevant.
Is this a loan offer?
No. It is an estimate, not lending or financial advice.