How to use this calculator
This compares two paths with the same starting resources. Renting invests the would-be down payment and closing costs, plus any monthly difference in housing expenses. It is a simplified scenario, not a prediction.
What the comparison actually measures
The buying scenario estimates proceeds from selling the home after the chosen period, minus the remaining mortgage and selling expenses. The renting scenario estimates what the initial cash and monthly housing-cost differences could grow to if invested.
Why two people may get different answers
The result is very sensitive to the time you stay, home appreciation, rent growth, maintenance, closing costs and hypothetical investment returns. Change a single input to test the sensitivity.
Understand the limitations
It does not model tax deductions, capital gains or investment taxes, mortgage points, inflation in repairs and insurance, deposits, unexpected events or local housing market changes. A negative renter investment balance signals the need for extra outside cash under those assumptions.
Useful resources, not just numbers.
These independent references can help you find better inputs or understand the decision. External links open the publisher’s website; none is a paid placement.
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What connects to this?
One answer often leads to another. Choose a related tool.