Mortgage & Home
Rent vs. Buy
Compare the total cost of renting against owning over a holding period.
Your numbers
Buying costs less
$32,796
- Total rent paid
- $147,119
- Total ownership outlay
- $243,257
- Equity at sale (after 6% costs)
- $128,934
- Net cost of owning
- $114,323
Assumes a 30-year mortgage and 6% selling costs. Does not model tax deductions or investment returns on the down payment.
Rent vs. Buy explained simply
Folks ask us this over coffee every spring. Renting is simpler, buying builds ownership. This compares what each choice really costs you over the years you plan to stay.
For example
Staying only 3 years often favors renting, because buying costs a lot up front. Staying 10 years usually favors buying.
Words on this page
Want a second set of eyes on these numbers?
These calculators are estimates for planning purposes and don't account for every detail of your situation. Bring your results to us and we'll pressure-test them against your actual tax picture.
Talk to a CPA