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Rent vs buy break-even calculator

How long before buying wins.

Built and reviewed by Dovanic, Founder and editor, FreeByteLast reviewed: 2026-08-18
$
$
7%
3%
$

Break-even

4 yr 3 mo

Monthly extra to own

$450

With these inputs, break-even comes to 4 yr 3 mo. Monthly extra to own works out to $450.

Upfront costs
$28,000
Monthly appreciation
$1,000

What moves the number · Break-even

Input−10%Now+10%
Price4 yr 8 mo4 yr 3 mo4 yr 0 mo
Monthly rent6 yr 6 mo4 yr 3 mo3 yr 2 mo
Buying & selling costs3 yr 10 mo4 yr 3 mo4 yr 9 mo
Appreciation5 yr 3 mo4 yr 3 mo3 yr 8 mo
Monthly ownership cost3 yr 0 mo4 yr 3 mo7 yr 5 mo

Solve for an input

Whatmakesequal

Compare scenarios

Save this set of inputs, change something, then save again to compare the outcomes side by side.

How long before buying wins.

A worked example

Starting figures

Price
$400,000
Monthly rent
$1,900
Buying & selling costs
7%
Appreciation
3%
Monthly ownership cost
$2,350

What it returns

Break-even
4 yr 3 mo
Monthly extra to own
$450
Upfront costs
$28,000
Monthly appreciation
$1,000

How to read the results

With the defaults above, break-even works out at 4 yr 3 mo.

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