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Finance

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Should you rent or buy property? Compare the real financial cost of each.

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$
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Result
Monthly mortgage
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Monthly rent
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Buy difference
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Break-even est.
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About This Rent vs Buy Calculator

This rent vs buy calculator compares the real financial cost of renting a home against buying one, helping you see which option may work out cheaper over your time frame. Buying involves a deposit, stamp duty, interest and ongoing costs; renting is simpler but builds no equity.

This is general information only and not financial advice. The right choice depends on house prices, interest rates, how long you'll stay and your personal circumstances, not just the numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to rent or buy?+
It depends on your time frame, the local market and your finances. Buying often wins over the long term, but renting can be cheaper and more flexible short term.
What costs come with buying?+
A deposit, stamp duty, conveyancing, loan interest, council rates, insurance and maintenance — well beyond the purchase price.
What is the break-even point?+
It's how long you'd need to own before buying becomes cheaper than renting, after accounting for upfront and ongoing costs.

Related Tools

→ Mortgage Calculator→ First Home Buyer→ Stamp Duty Calculator

RELATED GUIDE

Rent or Buy? How to Weigh the Biggest Money Decision

A balanced guide to the rent vs buy decision: the real costs on each side, the break-even horizon, and why 'rent is wasted money' is a myth.

Read the full guide →