Is It Cheaper to Rent or Buy?
This rent-vs-buy calculator estimates whether renting or buying a home costs less over the number of years you plan to stay. It weighs the money you spend on a mortgage, taxes and upkeep against the equity you build and the appreciation you keep, then compares that to the total cost of renting. Everything is calculated in your browser, so your numbers stay private.
Why the time horizon matters
Buying has large upfront costs, so it usually takes several years for ownership to beat renting. The longer you stay, the more the buying side benefits from paying down the loan and from any appreciation. Over a short stay, renting is often cheaper because you avoid the transaction costs of buying and selling.
What the calculator counts
On the buying side it adds your down payment, mortgage principal and interest, and an allowance for property tax and upkeep, then subtracts the equity you would walk away with: the home's appreciated value minus the remaining loan balance. On the renting side it totals your rent with a modest annual increase. The cheaper option over your time horizon wins.
Things it cannot know
Local tax rates, HOA fees, maintenance surprises and the property market all affect the real answer. Treat the result as a guide for the decision, not a guarantee, and adjust the inputs to match your situation.
Estimates only — not financial advice. Speak with a qualified professional before a major housing decision.