Rent vs. Buy

Instructions: Fill in all fields above the "Calculate" button and then click on that button when you have finished. Your results will appear in the scroll box at the bottom of the form. Scroll to read entire message.

Enter only numerical data and decimal points. Do not use dollar signs, percent signs, commas or other non-numerical symbols. For example, "ten thousand" should be entered as 10000 or 10000.00 but not 10,000 or 10,000.00 or $10,000. Enter annual amounts for all income and expense items. Enter the loan term in years. Enter the interest rates as the following examples show: 8, not .08 or 8%; . Use 7.5, not .075 or 7.5%.

Disclaimer: The results provided by this calculator are intended for comparative purposes only. The accuracy of the results is not guaranteed. Any differences between these results may be due to rounding or slight differences in mathematical formulas used. All calculations are based on user inputs and do not reflect any guarantee of expected savings or tax advantages. Property appreciation rates vary significantly around the country and in some areas properties have depreciated in value. Net Rental Costs are based on total rent paid, adjusted for inflation, less interest earned on savings. Beginning savings balance is assumed to equal the estimated down payment amount. Net Cost to Own is based on the after-tax cost of the total of mortgage payments made, with taxes and insurance adjusted for inflation. Real Estate Equity is based on the future value of the property, adjusted for appreciation, less the first mortgage principal balance.