Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Compare the true cost of renting vs buying with advanced projections, tax benefits, and opportunity cost calculations. I built this when I was making the decision myself.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Start with Scenarios: Choose a scenario (Standard, Conservative, or Optimistic) to pre-fill key market assumptions. You can customize any value afterwards.
  2. Enter Basic Inputs: Fill in the details for the home you're considering and your current rental situation. Use the sliders for quick adjustments.
  3. Refine with Advanced Settings: Use the tabs (Advanced, Tax, Lifestyle) to input more detailed information for a more accurate comparison.
  4. Calculate & Analyze: Click the "Calculate & Compare" button to see your results.
  5. Review the Results: Check the summary, detailed charts, and comparison table to understand the financial implications of buying versus renting over time.

General Settings i Core assumptions that affect both buying and renting scenarios

Home Purchase Details i Details about the home you're considering purchasing

$128,000

Rental Details i Information about your rental alternative

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