- True monthly
- $3,940
- vs entered rate
- +$66/mo
- 5-year interest
- $131,166
BUY · TRUE RENT VS BUY
Compare the whole decision—not rent against a mortgage payment.
See how cash, recurring costs, equity, selling costs and the renter's invested difference change the answer year by year.
Compare my options →Make both sides honest.
Utilities are excluded because comparable homes often incur them on both sides. Add any difference to rent or ownership costs when it matters.
OFFER PRICE → TRUE COST
Move the price. See the whole plan move.
- True monthly cost
- $3,874/mo
- Cash needed
- $115,000
- Five-year cost
- $221,890
Every additional $25,000 adds approximately $147/month, $5,750 upfront and $8,307 over five years under the assumptions on this page.
MORTGAGE RATE SENSITIVITY
Compare quotes—not rate forecasts.
Each rate keeps the loan balance, term and non-mortgage costs on this page unchanged.
- True monthly
- $3,809
- vs entered rate
- −$65/mo
- 5-year interest
- $121,121
- True monthly
- $3,680
- vs entered rate
- −$194/mo
- 5-year interest
- $111,106
- True monthly
- $3,555
- vs entered rate
- −$319/mo
- 5-year interest
- $101,127
HYPOTHETICAL REFINANCE CHECK
Enter the target rate and actual closing-cost estimate.
The balance and remaining term are held equal for comparison. A real refinance can reset the term, change escrow/insurance and add financed costs.
MONTHLY P&I CHANGENo change/monthBREAK-EVENEnter closing costs
Planning boundary: These are user-controlled what-if rates—not current quotes or a prediction that rates will fall. Compare Loan Estimates, APR, points, lender credits, costs and the time you expect to keep the loan.
Buying first moves ahead in year 6 under these assumptions.
“Ahead” compares estimated sale-ready buyer equity with the renter's modeled portfolio—not monthly affordability or investment advice.
| Year | Buy annual cost | Rent annual cost | Buyer net worth | Renter portfolio | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $42,018 | $33,900 | $88,571 | $128,868 | Rent $40,297 |
| 2 | $41,719 | $34,908 | $107,864 | $142,123 | Rent $34,258 |
| 3 | $41,399 | $35,946 | $127,913 | $154,682 | Rent $26,769 |
| 4 | $41,059 | $37,016 | $148,751 | $166,459 | Rent $17,708 |
| 5 | $40,695 | $38,117 | $170,415 | $177,360 | Rent $6,945 |
| 6 | $40,307 | $39,252 | $192,943 | $187,283 | Buy $5,660 |
| 7 | $39,893 | $40,420 | $216,376 | $196,120 | Buy $20,256 |
| 8 | $39,451 | $41,624 | $240,755 | $203,753 | Buy $37,002 |
| 9 | $38,980 | $42,863 | $266,126 | $210,057 | Buy $56,069 |
| 10 | $38,477 | $44,140 | $292,536 | $214,896 | Buy $77,640 |
The model is only as local as your evidence.
Loan Estimate, buyer property-tax treatment, address insurance quote, HOA documents, inspection, system ages and likely repair scope.
Appreciation, rent inflation and investment returns are editable scenarios—not predictions. Test conservative, middle and adverse cases.
Principal is retained as buyer equity. Selling costs are deducted from buyer equity. The renter's avoided upfront cash stays invested.
HOW TO USE IT
Change the assumptions that could change your decision.
- Use a real buyer tax estimate and address insurance quote.
- Enter realistic maintenance, major-repair and selling costs.
- Test several appreciation, rent inflation and investment-return scenarios.
No break-even result is a promise. Home values, rents, returns, repairs and transaction costs can differ materially.
