Is homeownership for you? Use this rent vs buy calculator to help you do the math. It will tell you if you’d be better off buying or renting – and how many years you would have to own your home before you come out ahead.
But you need to look at much more than the cost of rent or a mortgage payment to know for sure.
A quick comparison
| Costs |
- Likely lower monthly costs
- Fixed monthly costs
- Pay a deposit of a month's rent
- May pay a deposit for damages
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- Likely higher monthly costs with mortgage, property taxes, utilities, maintenance, furnishing and decorating
- Pay interest to the bank on mortgage
- Possible unexpected repair costs
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| Investment potential |
- Rent money goes to your landlord
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- Build equity as you pay off mortgage
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| Income potential |
- May be able to create income by renting out rooms or subletting
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- Can create income by renting out or borrowing against your home
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| Maintenance |
- Not responsible for maintenance, but dependent on landlord to make timely repairs
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- Responsible for maintenance and repairs
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| Commute |
- Higher rents in prime areas but you save time and money on commute
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- Affordable houses in suburban areas mean you spend more time and money on commute
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| Flexibility to move |
- Can move out almost whenever you want
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- Harder to move quickly as can take time to sell
- May face a mortgage penalty
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When deciding whether to buy or rent, be clear about:
- The kind of housing you're looking for
- How much you can afford
- How soon you think you'll move again
- How important home ownership is for you