Private Rent vs Buy Calculator — No Data Stored
Compare the total cost of renting versus buying a home over any time horizon. Factor in appreciation, investment returns, taxes, and maintenance. All calculations stay private in your browser.
How Rent vs Buy Comparison Works
The rent vs buy decision depends on many factors: how long you plan to stay, local real estate appreciation, your investment alternatives, mortgage rates, property taxes, and maintenance costs. This calculator compares the total wealth impact of both scenarios over your chosen time horizon.
Key Factors in the Comparison
- Renting: Monthly rent (increasing annually), renter's insurance, and the opportunity to invest the down payment
- Buying: Mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance, insurance, and home equity buildup through appreciation
- Opportunity cost: If renting, the down payment could be invested in stocks/bonds earning a return
- Break-even year: The year when buying becomes cheaper than renting in total cost
Common Rules of Thumb
The "5% rule" suggests multiplying the home value by 5% and dividing by 12 — if your rent is less than that number, renting may be better. The "price-to-rent ratio" divides home price by annual rent; above 20 generally favors renting. However, these rules are simplified — this calculator gives you a more thorough analysis.
Privacy Guarantee
Your financial details — rent amount, home price, income — are processed entirely in your browser. Nothing is transmitted to any server, stored in any database, or shared with any third party.