Rent vs Buy Calculator

Both paths modelled neutrally over 5 to 20 years.

Also available as an Excel template — $9

One-time purchase · 1 download · works in Excel and Google Sheets. Sample data below is not saved.

Renting side

Monthly rent

Yearly rent increase

Renters insurance (per month)

Investment return assumption

Buying side

Property price

Down payment

Interest rate

Amortization

years

Property taxes (per year)

Home insurance (per year)

Maintenance allowance (per year)

Condo fees (per month)

Utilities (per month)

Other recurring costs (per month)

Home appreciation (per year)

3.0%

Change this assumption in Settings.

Current monthly cost — renting

$2,230

Rent plus renter's insurance

Current monthly cost — buying

$4,595

Mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, condo fees, utilities and other costs

Province

First-time buyer (land transfer tax rebate)Property in Toronto (municipal tax)

Estimated land transfer tax for Ontario: $9,475 = $9,475, added to 1.5% closing costs. Indicative estimate only.

The comparison includes 1.5% closing costs plus estimated land transfer tax, 5% selling costs, and the investment return entered above.

After 5 years

Total rent paid$140,567

Total cost of buying$294,945

Home equity$147,736

Renter's portfolio$227,406

After 10 years

Total rent paid$299,369

Total cost of buying$570,665

Home equity$355,840

Renter's portfolio$443,231

After 15 years

Total rent paid$478,803

Total cost of buying$846,386

Home equity$607,508

Renter's portfolio$710,426

After 20 years

Total rent paid$681,579

Total cost of buying$1,122,106

Home equity$912,492

Renter's portfolio$1,043,770

Renting stays ahead for the whole 20-year period under these assumptions.

Net worth under each path

Home equity after selling costs, compared with an invested portfolio

Both paths are shown side by side with no recommendation. Results depend entirely on the assumptions entered — especially home appreciation (3% a year) and investment return (6% a year).

This platform provides financial planning tools and calculations for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide financial, investment, tax, legal or mortgage advice. Results are based on user-provided information and assumptions. Contribution limits, tax rates and regulatory parameters reflect the rules in effect as of the latest update (2026) and may change; always verify official amounts with the CRA or a licensed professional.