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Rent vs Buy Calculator
Find your break-even time horizon for buying vs renting. Accounts for opportunity cost of down payment, maintenance, appreciation, and tax benefits.
FINANCEFind your break-even time horizon for buying vs renting. Accounts for opportunity cost of down payment, maintenance, appreciation, and tax benefits.
Detailed instructions, formula notes, and US-context guidance shown in the calculator above.
Disclaimer: Estimate only. Consult a qualified professional for decisions with major financial, legal, or health consequences.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
7-year horizon comparison. Buying wins if home appreciation exceeds rent-growth + investment-opportunity-cost on the down payment. The classic NYT calc.
Winner over 7 years
Renting by $65,198
Buying net cost (7 yrs)$179,672
Renting net cost (7 yrs)$114,475
Future home value$491,950
Equity at sale (after costs)$170,761
Assumes 1.25% property tax, 0.45% insurance, 1% maintenance, 4% closing, 6% selling costs. Real-world results depend on local market, job mobility, and life situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rent vs Buy Calculator for?
Find your break-even time horizon for buying vs renting. Accounts for opportunity cost of down payment, maintenance, appreciation, and tax benefits.
How do I use the Rent vs Buy Calculator?
Detailed instructions, formula notes, and US-context guidance shown in the calculator above.
How accurate are my rent vs buy results?
Estimate only. Consult a qualified professional for decisions with major financial, legal, or health consequences.
Is the Rent vs Buy Calculator free to use?
Yes - every calculator on WhichCalc is completely free with no signup, no usage limits, and no tracking on the calculation itself. Results display instantly in your browser and your inputs are never sent to a server. Bookmark the page if you use this calculator regularly.