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Rent vs. buy — which actually makes sense?

The honest answer is that it depends on how long you stay, what rent does, and what you'd do with the money instead. This lays out the framework so you can see your own answer.

This is a comparison of assumptions, not a prediction. Every number below is something you can change — and the ones that swing the result most are how long you stay and how rents move.

7 years

If you buy

$
$
%
yrs
%/yr
%/yr

Of home value, per year

Property state
%/yr
$

Per year

$

Per month

If you rent

$
%/yr
%/yr

If you invested the down payment instead

Net position after 7 years

-$47,894

Buying

Monthly cost, year one$2,760
Total spent (incl. down payment)$311,850
Home value at sale$508,912
Less loan balance−$289,332
Less cost to sell−$35,624
Net position-$47,894

Renting

Monthly cost, year one$2,100
Total rent paid$193,094
Down payment if invested$120,290
Net position-$72,804
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Buying comes out ahead

By roughly $24,910 over this window

Break-even

Buying pulls ahead of renting in year 5 of this comparison.

This tool compares assumptions you control — appreciation, rent growth, and investment returns are all guesses, not forecasts. Use it to understand which factors matter, then we can talk through what's realistic for your area.

What actually tips the decision

How long you stay

Buying carries upfront costs you only spread out over time. Move in two years and those costs usually outweigh any appreciation.

What rent does

A fixed mortgage payment doesn't move. Rent tends to climb. That gap compounds the longer you stay — and it's often the deciding factor.

The opportunity cost

A down payment invested elsewhere has real value. Ignoring that makes buying look better than it is; this tool accounts for it.

This is an educational estimate — not a quote or an offer. Real numbers depend on your lender, taxes, insurance, and the specific property. Use this to understand your options, then let's talk through what fits your situation.

Have questions about your own numbers?

These tools are a starting point. When you're ready, we'll walk through what actually fits your situation — no pressure, no obligation.

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