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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the total cost of renting and buying over the years you plan to stay, including what you could get back when you sell.

  • Free, no sign-up
  • Formula shown
  • 2 minutes
Start now
Rent vs Buy Calculator: Total cost of renting and buying over the years you choose.
Rent vs Buy Calculator

Your numbers

Example figures are filled in. Replace them with yours.

Your result

Show the formula
Go deeper with Home Buying Budget & Savings Planner: every line, a filled example and charts.

Educational only. Arithmetic on the numbers you enter, not a quote or advice. Rules and costs differ by country and state; check your local rules.

Made for this step

The tools that go further

Picked for what this calculator works out. Each one starts with a filled example.

RentersSave $70
The Renter Bundle

The Renter Bundle

Search safely, read the lease first, document the condition and get your deposit back.

  • The Renter's Defence Kit
  • Finding the Right Rental
  • Read the Lease First
  • Rental Search Tracker
  • + 2 more tools
$47 $117 separatelySee the bundle
How it works

Three steps, two minutes

  1. 1Enter your numbers

    Replace the example figures with yours. The result updates as you type.

  2. 2Read the result

    The big number first, then the breakdown and the formula.

  3. 3Take the next step

    Use the guide and the spreadsheet below to act on the number.

What your result means

Rent vs Buy Calculator, in plain words

The home value change is your own guess; try a low and a high one. This leaves out investment returns on your deposit and local tax rules.

The Renter Bundle · $47

Guides that use this number

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Questions

About this tool

Is this calculator free?

Yes. No sign-up, no email, and nothing you type leaves your browser.

Is the result advice?

No. It is arithmetic on the numbers you enter. Rules, rates and costs differ by country and state, so confirm figures with a licensed professional.

Can I see the formula?

Yes. The formula sits under every result so you can check it or redo it by hand.

Not sure where to start?

Tell us what is happening and we will point you to one tool, one guide and one bundle.

Buy a homeFrom saving to keys, with every cost and step clear.Sell my homePrice it right, prepare it well and know what you walk away with.Rent a homeFind it, read the lease, protect your deposit.Invest or hostRun the numbers before you buy, then run the rental well.Own, move or a life changeUpkeep, renovations, moving, separation or an inherited home.I am an agentClient-ready templates, trackers and slides.

Or get everything: The Complete Property System, $127