Is it better to rent or buy a home?

It depends on how long you plan to stay, local price-to-rent ratios, opportunity cost of the down payment, and market conditions. Generally, buying makes more financial sense after 5–7 years in the same home.

Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Compare rough ownership and renting economics using housing assumptions.

This tool runs in your browser. None of your data is saved or sold.

Home price ($)

Down payment (%)

Mortgage rate (%)

Monthly rent alternative ($)

Years planning to stay (years)

Annual property tax rate (%)

About This Calculator

The rent-versus-buy decision is one of the biggest financial choices most people make. This calculator compares your estimated monthly ownership cost (mortgage P&I) against a rental alternative, accounting for down payment and the opportunity cost of that capital.

Estimates only — not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Verify important results with a qualified professional before making decisions.

mortgage PMT = P × r / (1 − (1+r)^−N); down payment = price × %; monthly cost difference = mortgage − rent