Rent vs. Buy Calculator
“Buy, don't rent” is common advice, but it's a generalization, not a calculation. The answer depends on your local market, your rate, how long you plan to stay, and what you'd earn investing your down payment instead. Put your numbers in and see where you land.
Federal taxes only. State income and capital gains taxes, AMT, and bracket phase-outs are not modeled. Assumes the home and investments are sold at the end of the horizon and taxed at the rate you enter; a large gain realized in one year can fall in a higher bracket.