Decision tool
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare total rent versus ownership costs over your chosen horizon, including opportunity cost on the down payment.
Your inputs
Adjust the fields and review the result in this workbench.
Cite this calculator
Simplified model; equity uses approximate remaining loan balance. Not a substitute for personalized advice.
Last reviewed: August 2026
Rent vs Buy Calculator. (August 2026). Useful Tools Online. https://usefultoolsonline.com/rent-vs-buy-calculator/
Interpretation
How to read this
Positive net buy position means buying looks ahead under these assumptions; negative favors renting. Small input changes can flip the result.
Avoid mistakes
Common mistakes
A few things that can lead to misleading results or poor decisions.
Ignoring maintenance and transaction costs.
Assuming rent never increases.
Treating home equity as fully liquid.
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