By CalculatorInn Team · Updated: 2026-03-22 · Free & accurate · Instant results
Compare the total financial cost of renting versus buying a home over a specified time period including all major cost factors.
Interactive Rent vs Buy Calculator
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Compare: Total Rent (with increases) vs Total Buy Costs (mortgage + tax + maintenance) − Equity Gained
Buying costs include mortgage payments, property tax (~1.5%), and maintenance (~0.5%). The net cost subtracts home equity appreciation. Renting costs increase annually.
The typical break-even point is 3-7 years depending on your market, mortgage rate, and appreciation rate. If you plan to move within 3 years, renting is usually cheaper.
Property taxes (1-3% of home value), homeowners insurance, maintenance (1-2% annually), HOA fees, and closing costs (2-5% when buying and selling). These add up significantly.
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