Rent vs. Buy Calculator | Home & Mortgage Finder
Calculator

Rent vs. buy — what’s better for you?

Compare total costs over your time horizon. We include appreciation, rent growth, taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA, MI, and the opportunity cost of your down payment.

Simplified MI estimate; some programs vary or drop MI sooner.
Used for opportunity cost of the down payment & closing costs.
Over your horizon
Year-1 monthly: Buy
Year-1 monthly: Rent
Estimated equity at sale
Total rent paid
Buy: non-recoverable costs*
Buy: buyer closing + selling
Opportunity cost of upfront cash
Principal repaid (forced savings)
Appreciation gain

*Non-recoverable costs include mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA, and MI (if applicable). MI is kept for the full horizon for simplicity; in practice it may end earlier.

These figures are planning estimates, not a credit decision or commitment to lend. Taxes/fees vary by location and program.