Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the costs of renting versus buying a home
In Seattle's high-priced market, the Rent vs Buy decision is crucial. The calculators below help you quickly compare costs and estimate a break-even point based on your inputs.
1. Zillow - Rent vs Buy Calculator
Key Features:
- Input home price, rent, and time horizon โ visual chart comparing total costs
- Interactive calculator with local market data
- Break-even analysis showing when buying becomes advantageous
- Simple assumptions for easy comparison
Perfect for: First-time users who want to quickly see "rent vs. buy cost comparison"
Pro tip: Zillow uses simplified assumptions (interest rates, tax rates) - adjust parameters for more precision.
2. Trulia - Rent vs Buy Calculator
Key Features:
- Clean interface with direct "buy vs. rent" recommendation
- Minimal input required for quick results
- Straightforward comparison without complex details
Perfect for: Users who want a quick decision without entering too many details
Pro tip: Simpler than Zillow, great for first-time attempts.
3. Fidelity - Rent vs Buy Calculator
Key Features:
- Considers investment opportunity costs (money invested vs. home equity)
- More sophisticated wealth accumulation comparison
- Realistic analysis of alternative investment returns
Perfect for: Users with investment awareness who want realistic wealth building comparisons
Pro tip: More complex than Zillow/Trulia, ideal for serious buyers doing thorough analysis.
4. Rocket Mortgage - Rent vs Buy Calculator
๐ Use Rocket Mortgage Calculator
Key Features:
- Lender-developed tool with direct loan quote integration
- Seamless transition to mortgage application
- Professional mortgage industry perspective
Perfect for: Users planning to contact lenders soon
Pro tip: Data and recommendations may have "loan promotion" bias - use as reference with caution.
5. NerdWallet - Rent vs Buy Calculator
๐ Use NerdWallet Calculator
Key Features:
- Updated with latest market data (home price growth, insurance costs, etc.)
- Comprehensive cost comparison (down payment, mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA)
- Break-even point calculation showing when buying becomes profitable
- Opportunity cost analysis (alternative investment returns)
- Multiple scenario comparison (different price/rent growth rates)
Perfect for: New buyers wanting complete comparison, comfortable with data input
Pro tip: Use default values as baseline, but check Seattle/King County local data for assumptions. Pay attention to "opportunity cost" section - alternative investment returns significantly impact results.
6. Realtor.com - Rent or Buy Calculator
๐ Use Realtor.com Calculator
Key Features:
- Location/state/ZIP code selection for accurate local cost estimates
- Clear cost breakdown: home price, down payment, taxes, insurance vs. rent, renter's insurance
- Advanced options for maintenance costs, home price appreciation, rent growth
- More accurate local market data integration
Perfect for: Users wanting city-specific data for more accurate results
Pro tip: Always fill in "Desired location" (ZIP or city/county) for better tax, insurance, and local market estimates. Check "Show advanced options" to adjust maintenance and opportunity costs often underestimated in basic calculations.
Summary Recommendations
Quick & Visual โ Zillow, Trulia
Investment-Focused โ Fidelity
Comprehensive Analysis โ NerdWallet
Location-Specific โ Realtor.com
Lender Integration โ Rocket Mortgage
Related Resources
Articles
- Rent vs Buy Decision Guide - Detailed analysis of factors to consider when deciding between renting and buying
Tools
- Budget Calculator - Calculate how much house you can afford if you decide to buy
This tool provides general information only. Always consult with qualified professionals for personalized advice.