Real Estate Studio

Rent or buy?

A 30-year side-by-side projection. True amortization, itemized vs. standard deduction logic, capital-gains exclusion, and a Monte Carlo stress test — so the recommendation actually holds up under scrutiny.

30 yr Horizon

500x Monte Carlo

2025 Tax Brackets

★

How this differs from every other rent-vs-buy calculator

We use a true monthly amortization schedule (not a 30% heuristic), compare itemized deduction (mortgage interest + SALT-capped property tax) against the 2025 standard deduction, and apply 15% capital-gains tax above the $250k single / $500k MFJ exclusion at sale. The renter scenario invests the upfront capital + monthly cost difference at your chosen return.

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

Analysis Period (Years)

Expected Investment Return (%)

Inflation Rate (%)

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

Home Price

Down Payment (%)

$128,000

Mortgage Interest Rate (%)

Property Tax Rate

Rental Details i Information about your rental alternative

Monthly Rent

Annual Rent Increase (%)

Renter's Insurance

Homeownership Costs

Annual Maintenance

HOA Fees (Monthly)

Home Insurance (Annual)

Utilities Difference (Monthly)

PMI Rate (if < 20% down)

Market Assumptions

Home Appreciation Rate

Closing Costs

Selling Costs

Note: Tax benefits depend on your specific situation. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.

Tax Settings

Marginal Tax Rate

Annual Income

State Tax Rate

Filing Status

The calculator compares itemized deductions (mortgage interest + SALT-capped property tax) against the 2025 standard deduction, applies the higher to your tax savings, and accounts for capital gains exclusion ($250k single / $500k MFJ) on home appreciation.

Lifestyle & Other Factors

Renting Lifestyle Premium (Monthly)

Buying Lifestyle Premium (Monthly)

These are non-monetary factors, converted to a monthly dollar value, to help you account for your personal preferences beyond pure financials.

Personal Preferences & Lifestyle

These factors don't have direct financial impact but are important for your decision.

Stability & Flexibility

Job Stability

Family Plans

DIY Interest

Location & Community

Neighborhood Quality

School District

Community Ties

Lifestyle Score

Based on your lifestyle factors: Neutral between buying and renting

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Comprehensive Analysis Results

Monthly Payment Difference

Home Equity After 30 Years

Investment Portfolio Value

If renting and investing

Net Worth Difference

Total Cost to Buy

Total Cost to Rent

Break-Even Point

Net Worth Over Time

Compares total assets: home equity (buying) vs. investment portfolio (renting)

Monthly Cash Flow Comparison

Monthly out-of-pocket expenses for each option over time

Cumulative Total Costs

Total money spent over time (not including asset appreciation)

Break-Even Analysis

When buying becomes financially advantageous (if applicable)

Homeownership Cost Breakdown (Year 1)

Rental Cost Breakdown (Year 1)

Sensitivity Analysis

How changes in key variables affect the buy vs. rent decision

Detailed Financial Comparison

Metric	Buying	Renting	Difference

Next Steps

Download Your Report

Get a comprehensive PDF report with your personalized analysis, charts, and recommendations.

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Next Step

Take this analysis off-screen

Run the numbers, then talk to a lender or financial planner with real data in hand. The advanced toolkit on Beyond Volatility helps you compare offers, project FIRE timelines, and stress-test your portfolio — all in one place.

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Educational Tool — Not Financial Advice. The Rent vs. Buy Calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on your inputs and general assumptions. They do not account for all variables and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional financial, tax, or real estate advice. Consult a licensed financial adviser or real estate professional before making any purchase or rental decision.