Rent vs Buy Analyzer
Is buying a home really better than renting? Run the numbers over your planned horizon.
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Frequently asked questions
What costs does this calculator include?
Buying costs include mortgage payments (principal + interest), maintenance (typically 1% of home value/year), and property taxes. Renting costs include monthly rent with annual increases. The calculator also accounts for home appreciation, the opportunity cost of the down payment, and investment returns on any monthly savings from renting.
Why might renting win financially?
In expensive markets, the combination of a large down payment, high mortgage payments, maintenance, and property taxes can exceed rent costs. If the down payment had been invested instead, the investment returns might outpace home appreciation — especially over shorter time horizons.
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