Buying isn't always better than renting. This calculator includes the opportunity cost of your down payment, maintenance, property tax, and the full 5% Rule. The factors most calculators quietly ignore.
If comparable rent is below this, renting is likely better financially. Based on ~5% of home value annually for the three unrecoverable costs of ownership.
| Horizon | Buy net | Rent+invest net | Winner |
|---|
This calculator focuses on the financial decision. Homeownership has real non-financial benefits (stability, customization, community) that are not quantifiable here.
Not financial advice. Based on Ben Felix's 5% rule for unrecoverable costs.