Is it better to rent or buy?

It depends mostly on how long you stay, rent growth, home price growth and ownership costs. Buying tends to win over longer stays; renting often wins over short ones. This calculator shows the trade-off on your assumptions.

Why does the time horizon matter so much?

Buying has up-front and early-year costs; equity and appreciation build over time.

What should I use for appreciation?

Be conservative. Local history varies widely, and future prices are uncertain.

What are ownership costs?

Property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and HOA dues. 2% to 3% of the price per year is a rough starting point; local numbers are better.

Does this include selling costs?

No. Selling costs reduce the buying advantage, especially for short stays.

Does it include investment returns on the down payment?

No, to keep it simple. That opportunity cost would favor renting somewhat.

Where does the default rate come from?

The Freddie Mac weekly survey 30-year average (7.4% for the week of 2026-10-15), as an example only.

No. It is an educational estimate from a website provider, not a lender.

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Rent vs buy calculator

Compare the total cost of renting with the net cost of buying over the years you plan to stay, counting rent increases, the mortgage, ownership costs, appreciation and equity.

Estimates for illustration only. Mortgage Funnel Suite is a website and marketing provider, not a lender, broker or financial advisor; this is not an offer of credit or a rate quote. Talk to a licensed loan officer for real numbers.

How the math works

What this calculator does

1Rent total adds 12 months of rent each year, raising rent by your annual increase.
2Owning cost adds mortgage payments, the down payment and yearly ownership costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance) as a % of price.
3Equity = estimated home value after appreciation − remaining loan balance.
4Net cost of owning = owning cost − equity. Lower total wins on these assumptions.

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Calculator questions, answered

YouIs it better to rent or buy?

Funnel Suite team
It depends mostly on how long you stay, rent growth, home price growth and ownership costs. Buying tends to win over longer stays; renting often wins over short ones. This calculator shows the trade-off on your assumptions.
YouWhy does the time horizon matter so much?

Funnel Suite team
Buying has up-front and early-year costs; equity and appreciation build over time.
YouWhat should I use for appreciation?

Funnel Suite team
Be conservative. Local history varies widely, and future prices are uncertain.
YouWhat are ownership costs?

Funnel Suite team
Property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and HOA dues. 2% to 3% of the price per year is a rough starting point; local numbers are better.
YouDoes this include selling costs?

Funnel Suite team
No. Selling costs reduce the buying advantage, especially for short stays.
YouDoes it include investment returns on the down payment?

Funnel Suite team
No, to keep it simple. That opportunity cost would favor renting somewhat.
YouWhere does the default rate come from?

Funnel Suite team
The Freddie Mac weekly survey 30-year average (7.4% for the week of 2026-10-15), as an example only.
YouIs this advice?

Funnel Suite team
No. It is an educational estimate from a website provider, not a lender.

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