Financial

Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Use this rent vs buy calculator for a clear financial estimate. Results update instantly in your browser.

What this calculator does

Compare the likely financial cost of renting with buying a home.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter rent, home price, deposit, rate, timeframe, and cost assumptions.
  2. Review the calculation assumptions before using the result.
  3. The comparison highlights the scenario with the lower estimated cost.

How to calculate

Both options are modelled monthly. Net cost equals starting cash less ending liquid wealth: renter savings or owner cash plus sale equity. This pre-tax estimate excludes income-tax deductions.

Choose the calculation mode where available, then enter the values requested by the rent vs buy calculator. Results update immediately.

Worked example

The defaults provide a complete worked example. Change any value to recalculate the result and any schedule shown.

Understanding your result

The comparison highlights the scenario with the lower estimated cost.

  • Local prices, maintenance, and selling costs can dominate.
  • Double-check values and units before calculating.

This pre-tax estimate excludes country-specific income-tax deductions. Housing costs, investment returns, appreciation, and transaction fees can vary materially.

Frequently asked questions

What does this rent vs buy calculator do?

Compare the likely financial cost of renting with buying a home.

How do I use this rent vs buy calculator?

Enter rent, home price, deposit, rate, timeframe, and cost assumptions.

What does the result mean?

The comparison highlights the scenario with the lower estimated cost.

What should I check before relying on it?

Local prices, maintenance, and selling costs can dominate.

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