Rent vs Buy Decision Calculator

Compare the total financial impact of renting versus buying a home over a specific time period. This calculator accounts for all major costs including opportunity cost, appreciation, and equity buildup.

Key Factors:

• Renting: Monthly rent that increases annually, with down payment as opportunity cost
• Buying: Mortgage, property tax, insurance, maintenance, minus equity from appreciation and principal paydown
• Break-even: The year when buying becomes financially better than renting
• Assumes down payment could have been used for rent in the rental scenario

Note: This is a financial comparison only. Consider lifestyle factors, job stability, and local market conditions.