Rent vs. Buy
Put your own numbers side by side, over the years you expect to stay.
Whether buying beats renting depends mostly on three things: how long you stay, what the home is worth when you leave, and what your cash would have done otherwise. Nobody knows the last two, so this calculator doesn't pretend to. It lets you try your own guesses and see which way they tip.
Rent vs. buy calculator
Compare the net cost of renting and buying over the years you expect to stay. Every guess about the future is yours to make; blank ones count as zero.
| Renting: rent paid | $0 |
|---|---|
| Minus what your cash might earn instead | $0 |
| Estimated net cost of renting | $0 |
| Buying: cash inDown payment, closing costs, loan payments, taxes and fees, upkeep | $0 |
| Minus estimated cash back when you sellSale price at your assumed value change, less selling costs and the loan balance | $0 |
| Estimated net cost of buying | $0 |
Estimate only. Today's numbers are your inputs; home value changes, rent increases, investment returns, and selling costs are hypothetical assumptions, not predictions, and small changes can flip the result. Taxes, insurance, fees, and financing terms vary, and tax effects aren't included. This isn't financial, investment, or tax advice.
For a property-specific estimate, have our team check these numbers, or ask the appropriate professional.
How we calculate this
Net cost of renting is the rent you would pay, rising each year by your rent increase, minus what your down payment and closing costs would earn if you kept them invested instead.
Net cost of buying is everything you would put in (down payment, closing costs, loan payments, taxes, insurance, HOA, CDD, and upkeep) minus what you would get back when you sell: the sale price, grown each year by your home value change, less your selling costs and whatever is left on the loan.
Taxes, insurance, HOA, CDD, and upkeep are held flat, and tax deductions aren't modeled. The year-by-year comparison finds the first year buying comes out ahead with your numbers.
A way to compare with your own assumptions, not a prediction of prices, rents, or returns.
Have our team check these numbers
Send us your numbers. If you're not ready to buy, we'll tell you that too.
What a calculator can't weigh
- Stability. A fixed-rate loan locks in the biggest part of your payment. Rent can change at every renewal.
- Flexibility. Renting makes it easier to move on short notice. Selling takes time and costs money.
- Control. Owners decide on paint, pets, and projects, and pay for the roof when it needs replacing.
- The specific home. Taxes, insurance, HOA, and CDD vary a lot from one home to the next here. Use the figures for a specific address when you can.
Why clients trust Leslie Wells Realty
What clients say
“I was an out of state buyer and Agata Diggs represented me in the purchase of my second home. She was extremely responsive! Even if she couldn't talk at the moment, she would text me and tell me that she would call me in 15 minutes. She never left me wondering. I've recommended her to a few friends since then. She did a great job.”
“Amazing service from Melissa Moore who helped sell my aunt's home. Being from Scotland, I had lots of questions which Melissa promptly answered even when she was on vacation! We had one viewer and full offer!”
“Working with Alexis Christensen over the past 3 years has been nothing short of incredible. And yes, I really mean 3 years.”
“I am thrilled to have worked with Rachel. She has been professional, but most importantly she was kind, she listened, and was always available to answer any questions. She was a godsend from the very first day and soon felt like family. I would recommend her to anyone.”
“We are incredibly grateful to have been referred to Carly by a friend. When we called her at the last minute to assist with our home purchase, she stepped in and made the entire process seamless. Carly went above and beyond our expectations, and we highly recommend her. We look forward to working with her again in the future.”
Why Leslie Wells Realty
- Years of Leslie's real estate experienceSince 1976
- 50
- Communities covered
- 96
Not sure it's time yet?
That's a fine answer. Ask us anything, and come back when it makes sense for you.