Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare renting versus buying a home over time
Use this when you need a fast, accurate result — no sign-up, works entirely in your browser.
Buying net position—
Renting net position—
Verdict (lower net cost wins)—
How to Use
- Enter your details into the fields above.
- Click the calculate button to get your result instantly.
- Use the clear button to start a new calculation.
Example
- Rent $2,000/mo (2% annual), home $400,000 (3% appreciation), 10 years → Total rent paid ≈ $21,899; future home value ≈ $537,567
- Rent $2,200; buy $500k ($100k down, 6.5%, 7 yr, 3% appreciation) → Renting wins: net ≈ +$114,937 vs buying ≈ −$184,800
Formula
Compares total cumulative rent (with annual rent inflation) against projected home value (with appreciation). Does not deduct mortgage interest, taxes, or maintenance — add those for a full picture.
About Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare renting versus buying a home over time. This free online tool gives you fast, accurate results without registration or downloads.
Everything runs locally in your browser, so your data is never uploaded or stored — privacy first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tool free to use? +
Yes, it is completely free with no registration or download required.
Is my data private? +
Yes. Everything is processed locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or stored on our servers.
Does it work on mobile? +
Yes, it works on any device — phone, tablet, or desktop.