How the Rent vs Buy Calculator Works

It compares the total cost of renting against the total cost of owning over a chosen time horizon, accounting for the down payment, monthly payment, equity build-up, and appreciation.

How It Works, Step by Step

The calculator projects two paths. The renting path tallies rent paid over the period (often with annual increases). The buying path adds up the down payment, monthly payments, taxes, insurance, and selling costs, then subtracts the equity and appreciation you keep when you sell.

Florida's strong in-migration has supported home appreciation in many metros, which strengthens the case for buying if you plan to stay. Offset that against higher insurance and, in newer communities, CDD fees that add to the cost-of-owning side and can push the break-even point further out.

Want the underlying math? See the rent vs buy formula page, or open the calculator to try it with your own figures.