Rent vs Buy Calculator: Is Buying a Home Worth It?

Compare the long-term financial outcome of buying a home versus renting and investing the difference — and find your break-even point.

Buying
Renting
Net worth if you buy–
Net worth if you rent–
Monthly mortgage payment–
Break-even–

Model: whichever option costs less each month invests the difference at the investment return; the renter also invests the down payment and closing costs. Results are highly sensitive to assumptions.

Apples to apples

Renting isn’t “throwing money away” and owning isn’t free: mortgage interest, taxes, maintenance and transaction costs are unrecoverable too. This calculator compares both paths starting with the same cash.

Beyond the numbers

How long you’ll stay, job flexibility and your emergency fund matter as much as the math. Read our full rent vs buy guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this calculator compare?

The buyer’s home equity (after selling costs) plus any invested savings versus the renter’s portfolio built from the down payment, closing costs and monthly differences.

What are ownership costs?

Property taxes, insurance, maintenance and HOA fees. A common rule of thumb is 1–2% of the home’s value per year for maintenance alone.

Why does the result change so much?

Home appreciation, rent growth and investment returns compound over many years. Try optimistic and cautious scenarios.

This content is for general information only and is not investment advice. Consider your own situation and consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.