Rent vs Buy Calculator

A simplified multi-year model comparing renting versus buying with opportunity cost on the down payment.

Home price (USD)

Down payment (%)

Mortgage rate (% APR)

Mortgage term (years)

Monthly rent (USD)

Rent growth (% / year)

Home appreciation (% / year)

Maintenance (% of price / year)

Horizon (years)

Alt. investment return (% / year)

Assumptions

Buy path: P&I + maintenance − principal equity − appreciation + opportunity cost on down payment.
Rent path: growing rent − growth on investing an amount equal to the down payment.
Ignores taxes, HOA, selling costs, and insurance differences — educational only.

Projects both paths over the horizon with simple appreciation and opportunity-cost assumptions.

Is a lower net cost a recommendation?

No. Tiny assumption changes can flip the result. Use it to explore scenarios only.

Will I qualify for this amount?

Not necessarily. Lenders use credit, reserves, and local rules this model omits.

Is this advice?

No — estimates for education only.

Estimates only. See Disclaimer.