Rent vs. Buy Calculator

See whether buying or renting builds more wealth over time — factoring in your down payment's investment potential, property taxes, and how long you stay.

Your scenario

If you rent

Comparable monthly rent

What a similar place would cost to rent.

vs.

If you buy

Home price

Down payment (20.0%)

Mortgage rate (%)

State

Your state sets a property-tax estimate — adjust it under advanced.

About you

Expected investment return (%)

What your money could earn invested elsewhere — this is the true cost of tying cash up in a home, and it applies to whichever path frees up cash.

Verdict

Buying builds more wealth than renting after

5 years

Stay longer than that and buying comes out ahead.*

If you buy

$1.7M

If you rent

$777k

Difference

$907k

Net worth after 30 years

Net worth over time

Thinking about buying?

Connect with a licensed mortgage professional to get personalized rates and see what you can afford.

* Estimates based on the values you enter, for education only — not financial, tax, or investment advice. Property-tax figures are statewide averages; verify local rates and terms before deciding.