Free Rent vs Buy Calculator — The Break-Even Year

Last updated: April 17, 2026

MoneyMath's rent vs buy calculator estimates the break-even year when buying may beat renting after closing costs, selling costs, maintenance, rent increases, appreciation, and down payment opportunity cost.

Free to useRuns in your browserTransparent assumptions

Free rent vs buy calculator with break-even year timeline. See when buying beats renting with closing costs, selling costs, down payment opportunity cost, and metro price-to-rent comparisons.

Use the Rent vs Buy Calculator to compare realistic scenarios before making a money, health, or planning decision.

Adjust the inputs and review the result breakdown so you can see which assumptions matter most.

How to use this calculator

Step 1Enter your starting information. Add the core inputs requested by the Rent vs Buy Calculator, such as amounts, dates, rates, income, weight, or other scenario details.
Step 2Review the calculated result. Read the headline answer first, then scan the supporting breakdown, chart, or comparison table.
Step 3Compare another scenario. Change one input at a time to understand what drives the result and which option is most realistic.

Formula, Sources & Assumptions

Assumptions

Results are estimates for planning and education.
Actual costs, taxes, rates, or outcomes may differ based on personal circumstances and updated rules.