Rent vs. Buy Modeler

Compare rent vs buy with break-even horizon, equity projections, and scenario analysis.

Rent Scenario

Monthly Rent ($)

Annual Rent Increase (%)

Renter's Insurance ($/mo, optional)

Utilities Difference vs Owning ($/mo, optional)

Buy Scenario

Home Price ($)

Down Payment

Interest Rate (%)

Loan Term (years)

Property Tax (% of price)

Homeowners Insurance ($/yr)

HOA ($/mo, optional)

Market Assumptions

Years You Expect to Stay (1–15)8 years

Home Appreciation (%/year)

Buying Closing Costs (%)

Selling Costs (%)

Maintenance (% of value/yr)

Opportunity Cost / Investment Return (%)

Include mortgage interest & property tax benefits (24% bracket)

BUYING IS OPTIMAL

Buying wins if you stay ≥ 2 years.

Based on a 3.5% appreciation rate and 7% opportunity cost on your down payment.

Net Worth Timeline

Year 1Year 5Year 10Year 15

Buy

Rent

Year 1 Monthly Cash Flow

Rent Equivalent$2,000

Buy Gross Output$2,423

P&I ($1,991)Tax ($350)Ins ($150)Maint/PMI ($423)

Total Cash In (Yr 8)

$325,237

Rent total: $213,416

Est. Equity (Yr 8)

$181,615

Appreciation + paydown

Net Walk-Away

$144,744

After 8% selling costs

Equity Exit Matrix (Year 8)

1% Appr.

$69,411

3% Appr.

$128,631

5% Appr.

$196,472

Estimates only. Assumes consistent appreciation and investment returns. Not financial or legal advice.

Loading tool...