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Compare the true cost of renting and buying over the years you plan to stay.
Everything updates as you type.
15.0% of the price
Buying costs are front-loaded, so this is the number that decides it.
Per year, as a share of the home's value.
Per year, as a share of the home's value.
What the renter earns on the cash a buyer ties up at closing.
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Buying pulls ahead in year
9
Stay 9 years or longer and buying costs less than renting at these numbers. Leave sooner and renting wins.
What each choice has really cost you if you walk away that year
| Year | Owning | Renting | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| +1 | $46K | $18K | Renting |
| +3 | $79K | $56K | Renting |
| +5 | $111K | $95K | Renting |
| +7 | $142K | $135K | Renting |
| +9 | $171K | $177K | Buying |
| +10 | $185K | $199K | Buying |
So you can check the arithmetic yourself
Educational estimate only. Not financial, tax or investment advice. The renter is assumed to invest the buyer's upfront cash; month-to-month differences are not reinvested.
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