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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

What a similar place would cost to rent.

vs.
If you buy

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

About you

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
$757k
Difference
$951k

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.