Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Should You Rent or Buy?

Deciding between renting and buying a home is a major financial decision. While buying builds equity, it comes with upfront costs (down payment, closing costs) and ongoing expenses (maintenance, taxes). Renting offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, but your payments don't build wealth.

Use our interactive Rent vs. Buy Calculator to see the total cost of each option over time, factoring in opportunity costs, tax benefits, and home value appreciation.

The 5-Year Rule

Generally, if you plan to stay in a home for less than 5 years, renting is often cheaper. The transaction costs of buying and selling (like agent commissions) usually outweigh the equity built in a short time.