Mortgage vs Rent Calculator - Should You Buy or Rent?
Compare the true costs of buying vs renting with our comprehensive calculator. See total costs, equity building, and make the best financial decision for your situation.
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20.0% down payment
Buying vs Renting: The Complete Comparison
Buying a Home
Advantages
- ✓Build equity over time
- ✓Fixed monthly payments (with fixed-rate mortgage)
- ✓Tax deductions on mortgage interest
- ✓Freedom to customize and improve
- ✓Potential appreciation in value
Disadvantages
- ✗Large upfront costs (down payment, closing costs)
- ✗Maintenance and repair responsibilities
- ✗Less flexibility to move
- ✗Property taxes and insurance
Renting
Advantages
- ✓Lower upfront costs
- ✓No maintenance responsibilities
- ✓More flexibility to move
- ✓Predictable monthly costs
- ✓No property taxes or insurance
Disadvantages
- ✗No equity building
- ✗Rent can increase over time
- ✗Limited ability to customize
- ✗No tax benefits
Key Financial Factors to Consider
Upfront Costs
Down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, and initial repairs
Long-term Costs
Monthly payments, maintenance, property taxes, and insurance
Equity Building
Principal payments and potential home appreciation
Break-Even Analysis
When Buying Makes Sense
- ✓Planning to stay 5+ years
- ✓Stable income and job security
- ✓Good credit score and savings
- ✓Rent is high relative to home prices
- ✓Want to build equity and wealth
When Renting Makes Sense
- ✓Planning to move within 2-3 years
- ✓Uncertain job or income situation
- ✓Limited savings for down payment
- ✓Rent is low relative to home prices
- ✓Prefer flexibility and no maintenance
Example: $300,000 Home vs $1,500 Rent
Buying (30-year, 6.5%)
Renting
💡 In this example, renting costs $876 less per month, but buying builds equity and offers tax benefits.
Buy vs Rent FAQ
How long should I plan to stay to make buying worthwhile?
Generally, you should plan to stay at least 3-5 years to recoup closing costs and make buying financially beneficial.
What's the 5% rule for rent vs buy?
If annual rent is less than 5% of the home's value, renting may be better. If more than 5%, buying might make sense.
Should I consider home appreciation in my decision?
Yes, but don't rely on it. Historical appreciation averages 3-4% annually, but it's not guaranteed and varies by location.
What about the opportunity cost of a down payment?
Consider what you could earn by investing your down payment instead. If investment returns exceed home appreciation, renting might be better.