Free Rent vs Buy Calculator | Compare Housing Options 2026

Parameters

Time Horizon 5 years

            1 yr30 yrs
          

Buying

Home Price $450,000

Down Payment

Mortgage Rate

Property Tax (annual %) 1.0%

Home Insurance (annual) $1,200

Annual Maintenance (% of price) 1.0%

Annual Home Appreciation 3.0%

Renting

Monthly Rent $2,500

Annual Rent Increase 3.0%

Renters Insurance (annual) $150

Investment Return (down payment) 5.0%

Comparison

After 5 years:

RENT

Save $0

Buy

Rent

Buying

Down Payment $0

Monthly Payment $0

Property Tax $0

Insurance $0

Maintenance $0

Total Cost $0

Home Value $0

Net Cost $0

Renting

Total Rent $0

Insurance $0

Total Cost $0

Invested Down Payment $0

Net Cost $0

Should you rent or buy?