Rent vs buy
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the cost of renting with buying over a time horizon using rent increases, home appreciation, investment return, ownership costs and selling costs.
Calculator
Calculator
Rent vs buy decision guide
This is a decision tool, not just a payment calculator. It compares rent payments and invested down payment with ownership cash outflow, home equity and selling costs.
Worked example
Compare $2,200 monthly rent with a $420,000 home over seven years. Changing appreciation, rent growth, investment return or selling costs can flip the result.
Methodology
The calculator projects rent, owner payments, ownership costs, home value, selling costs, mortgage balance and invested down payment over the selected horizon.
Sources and review
Last reviewed: August 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is this professional mortgage advice?
No. DailyToolDesk provides educational estimates, not lending, tax, legal or investment advice.
Why can lender numbers differ?
APR, points, escrow rules, insurance quotes, property tax, PMI, lender fees and closing timing can change actual results.
Which tool should I use next?
Use the related calculator that matches the next decision: amortization for schedules, extra payment for payoff acceleration, PMI for insurance cost, or rent vs buy for housing path comparison.