Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare monthly renting costs with estimated mortgage, tax, and insurance costs for buying.
- Last reviewed
- July 8, 2026
- Cost
- Free to use
- Data
- Runs in your browser
Mortgage Payment
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Monthly Cost to Buy
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Monthly Rent
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Monthly Difference
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5-Year Difference
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Methodology
How this calculator handles inputs
This calculator uses the values you enter above and applies the formula explained in the guide below. Results update in the browser and are intended for quick planning, comparison, and sanity-checking.
- Use consistent periods, currencies, and units across inputs.
- Review any assumptions before using the result in a decision.
- Recalculate when rates, prices, tax rules, or business terms change.
Important note
This tool provides general planning information only. It is not tax, legal, financial, accounting, or investment advice. Check the current rules for your location and speak with a qualified professional before making a high-stakes decision.
Guide
How it works
Use this calculator to compare renting with buying a home.
What this calculator does
The rent vs buy calculator compares monthly rent with estimated monthly ownership cost from mortgage, tax, and insurance assumptions.
Rent vs Buy Formula
Monthly Difference = Monthly Cost to Buy - Monthly Rent
Example calculation
If rent is 2,200 and estimated buying cost is 2,800, buying costs 600 more per month before other ownership factors.
When to use this calculator
- deciding whether to rent or buy
- comparing monthly housing costs
- testing mortgage rates and down payments
- estimating five-year cost differences
FAQs
Does this include appreciation?
No. This version focuses on monthly cash flow.
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