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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true 5-year (or any-year) cost of renting vs buying a home. Factors in mortgage, taxes, appreciation, selling costs, and the opportunity cost of investing your down payment.

Home & mortgage

Of home value

Of home value

Expected home value growth

Buying costs (loan origination, inspection, etc.)

Rental alternative

If you invest your down payment instead

After 7 years: who wins?
Renting saves you
$4,518,095
over 7 years vs the alternative
$80,000
Down payment
$320,000
Loan amount
$4,798
Monthly P&I
$491,950
Home value at year 7

Buyer's net cost

Total out-of-pocket$581,168
Selling costs (6%)−$29,517
Mortgage balance−$0
Home equity+$462,433
Net cost$118,736

Renter's net cost

Total rent paid$202,289
Invested savings+$4,601,649
Net cost-$4,399,360

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