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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Free rent vs buy calculator. Compare the 5-year cost of renting vs buying a home. Includes appreciation, closing costs, and rent growth.

Formula

Compare total cost of buying (incl. closing, taxes, maintenance) vs renting over time horizon

Example

5-year horizon: buying $400k home vs $2,400/mo rent — buying often wins after 3-5 years

Try the API

Get instant JSON results — perfect for embedding in your app or workflow.

GET https://leadhunting.app/api/tools/rent-vs-buy

Frequently Asked Questions

When is renting better than buying?

If you'll move within 3-5 years, rent is often cheaper due to closing costs. Also depends on local rent-to-price ratios.

What costs does this calculator include for buying?

Down payment, mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, closing costs (buy & sell), minus equity built and appreciation.

How does the breakeven point work?

The breakeven is when total buying cost equals total renting cost. Before breakeven: rent wins. After breakeven: buy wins.

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