Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Buyer net worth is home value minus remaining loan balance minus selling costs. Renter net worth starts with the down payment and closing costs invested on day one, then grows every year by whichever side spent less that year — if buying costs more than renting in a given year, the renter invests the difference; if renting costs more, that amount comes out of the renter's account. Both a real, honest way to compare — but small changes in appreciation and investment return can flip the result, so treat this as directional.