Rent vs Buy Comparison
Compare the total cost of renting vs buying over time to make the best housing decision.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
The rent-vs-buy decision depends heavily on how long you plan to stay. Buying typically becomes favorable after 5-7 years when equity appreciation offsets the high transaction costs of buying and selling. Renters benefit from lower upfront costs, no maintenance expenses, and flexibility to move. The "price-to-rent ratio" (home price / annual rent) above 20 suggests renting may be better; below 15 favors buying.