Calculators
Rent vs. Buy Calculator — 10-year net wealth, not just monthly cost
Should you rent or buy? Compare 10-year net wealth, break-even year, and the full cost of each path — not just the monthly payment.
Is it better to rent or buy?
The Rent vs. Buy Calculator compares the 10-year net-wealth outcome of buying a home versus continuing to rent, factoring in down payment, appreciation, maintenance, selling costs, tax deductions, and rent inflation. Use it to find the year buying overtakes renting — and whether your timeline justifies a purchase at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to rent or buy right now?+
It depends on how long you'll stay, local price-to-rent ratio, your down payment, and expected appreciation. The calculator runs both scenarios out 10 years and reports the year buying beats renting — usually 3–7 years, but shorter or longer based on your inputs.
How long before buying beats renting?+
The break-even year is the point where net wealth from owning (equity + appreciation, minus costs) overtakes net wealth from renting (down payment invested, minus rent). For most buyers in stable markets it's 4–6 years.
Does the calculator include selling costs?+
Yes. It applies typical selling costs (~6–8% of the future home value) when computing equity at the end of the comparison period, so the buy scenario reflects what you'd net if you sold.
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Buying
Renting
10-year net wealth gap (Buy − Rent)
$144,310
- Verdict
- Based on your inputs, buying beats renting after year 3.
- Break-even year (buying)
- Year 3
- Buy net @ year 10
- -$211,231
- Rent net @ year 10
- -$355,542
Ready to see what you'd qualify to buy?
Get pre-qualified in about 8 minutes — no credit pull.
Results are estimates for comparison only. Actual rates, fees, and payments depend on your credit, lender, and market conditions. Not a commitment to lend.
Key facts
- Output
- 10-year wealth comparison
- Includes
- Appreciation, taxes, maintenance
- Includes
- Rent inflation + invested down payment
- Break-even
- Year buying overtakes renting
Loan program
Conventional Loan
See full program details, eligibility, and benefits.