Decision Tool
Should you keep renting or start building equity?
Use this calculator to compare the financial side of renting versus buying over time. Then use the result as a starting point for a more practical conversation about your budget, timeline, and next step.
Start with the core numbers
This tool compares the financial side of renting versus buying over time. Start with the basics, then open the advanced fields if you want to refine the estimate.
Advanced assumptions
Refine taxes, insurance, rent growth, investment return, and other scenario details.
What this calculator is measuring
This version compares the estimated financial cost of renting versus buying over the selected time period.
Buying includes down payment, mortgage, PMI when applicable, property tax, insurance, HOA, maintenance, major repair reserves, utilities, moving costs, entry closing costs, estimated sale proceeds, and selling costs.
Renting includes rent, renter's insurance, utilities, moving costs, and the potential value of investing available cash not committed to buying.
This estimate suggests renting may currently be the cleaner financial move, especially if flexibility or lower upfront risk matters right now.
Over 7 years, based on the assumptions entered into this estimate.
Buying detail
Talk through your next step
The numbers matter, but so do timeline, financing comfort, neighborhood fit, and whether buying now aligns with your broader goals.
This calculator is meant to start a conversation, not replace lending, tax, or legal advice.
What this calculator can help you estimate
- • A rough financial comparison between renting and buying
- • How monthly ownership costs may compare with current rent
- • How cash needed up front changes the decision
- • Whether buying starts to make more sense over your timeline
This tool is meant to help you frame the conversation. It does not replace lending guidance, tax advice, legal advice, or a personalized review of your options.