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Buy vs. Rent Calculator
Compare what buying actually costs against renting over the years you plan to stay. Everything calculates live in your browser — nothing is sent anywhere.
If you buy
Down Payment= $40,000
Property Tax= $4,400Per year
Maintenance= $4,000Per year
Buying Closing Costs= $10,000One-time, at purchase
Selling Costs at Exit= $35,624Based on the projected value at exit
If you rent
Over 7 years
Buying saves you $20,214
At these assumptions, owning costs less in total once equity and appreciation are counted.
- Monthly cost to own (today)
- $3,235
- Monthly rent (today)
- $2,400
- Net cost of buying (7 years)
- $175,283
- Net cost of renting (7 years)
- $195,497
- Home equity at exit
- $182,077
- Total rent paid
- $220,679
This compares total cost, not just monthly payment — buying builds equity, renting doesn't, but ties up your down payment.
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