Home & Property
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Buying isn't always cheaper than renting — it depends on how long you stay. This compares the full net cost of each over your time horizon and finds the break-even year.
Your numbers
$
%
6.5%
$
7 yrs
%
%
What your down payment could earn if invested instead.
Statement
Over 7 years
Buying wins
$8,404 cheaper to buy
- Net cost of buying
- $153,595
- Net cost of renting
- $161,999
- Break-even year
- Year 6
Buying pulls ahead of renting around year 6. Stay longer than that and buying tends to win.
Over time
BuyRent
Over 7 yearsBuying wins
Estimates only — not financial advice. They produce estimates based on the figures you enter and do not account for every fee, tax or change in rate.
Why buying isn't automatically cheaper
Buying carries costs renting doesn't: closing costs, property tax, maintenance, insurance, and 5–6% to sell. Those are front- and back-loaded, so a short stay can't recover them. Appreciation and equity build over time, which is why the longer you stay, the better buying looks.
Frequently asked questions
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