What assumptions are included?

We include mortgage interest, taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, HOA, mortgage insurance (if under 20% down), home appreciation, rent growth, and the opportunity cost of your down payment and buyer closing costs.

Are tax deductions included?

No. Tax benefits vary widely by household and location. This tool keeps assumptions simple and conservative. Ask us for a personalized analysis.

Is mortgage insurance modeled exactly?

For simplicity MI is kept for the whole period if the down payment is under 20%. In practice many loans drop MI after reaching 20% equity, so real costs may be lower.

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.

Time horizon (years)

Mortgage rate (APR %)

Home price

Down payment (%)

Loan term

Mortgage insurance (annual %, if < 20% down) Simplified MI estimate; some programs vary or drop MI sooner.

Property taxes (% of price)

Maintenance (% of price per year)

Homeowners insurance ($/mo)

HOA dues ($/mo, optional)

Home appreciation (%/yr)

Selling costs at exit (% of future value)

Buyer closing costs (% of price)

Investment return on cash (%/yr) Used for opportunity cost of the down payment & closing costs.

Current monthly rent

Expected rent growth (%/yr)

Over your horizon

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Year-1 monthly: Buy

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Year-1 monthly: Rent

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Estimated equity at sale

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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.

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

rent vs buy

Rent vs. buy — what’s better for you?