Rent vs Buy Calculator
Buying builds equity but comes with closing costs, maintenance and selling costs; renting lets you invest the down payment. See which leaves you better off.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to stay for buying to pay off?
Often five years or more, because buying and selling costs (around 3% to buy and 6% to sell) take years of appreciation and principal payments to recover.
What is the price-to-rent ratio?
Home price divided by a year of rent for a similar home. Ratios above about 20 tend to favor renting; below about 15 tend to favor buying.