Rent vs. Buy
Compares building equity by buying against investing your down payment while renting — the net-worth method, accounting for closing costs, maintenance, and opportunity cost. Finds your breakeven horizon.
Assumptions
Prefilled with average US values — edit to match your situation.
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Includes closing costs, maintenance, taxes, insurance, PMI, and the opportunity cost of your down payment. Net-worth method: whoever ends richer wins.
After 15 years
Renting comes out ahead
Buy net worth: $348,042Rent net worth: $462,014Breakeven: not within 15 years