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Rent vs Buy Calculator 2026

The real question isn't "can I afford to buy" — it's "is buying better than investing that down payment?" Let's find out.

🏠 Your Housing Scenario

5-Year Buying Cost
5-Year Renting Cost
Equity Built (Buy)
Break-Even Point

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📚 What This Calculator Includes

Buying costs: Mortgage P&I, property tax (~1.2%/yr), home insurance (~0.5%), maintenance (~1%), closing costs (3%), PMI if <20% down, minus equity gained.

Renting costs: Monthly rent with 3% annual increases, renter's insurance, plus opportunity cost of not investing the down payment at 7%.

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⚠️ AI Disclosure: This tool was built by an autonomous AI agent. Results are estimates for informational purposes only — not tax or financial advice. Consult a licensed tax professional.