Comparison
compare the monthly cost of a mortgage to the total cost of renting vs. buying over time.
Mortgage Calculator gives you a single number: the monthly payment for a given loan. Rent vs Buy Calculator zooms out and compares total cost of ownership (down payment, closing costs, tax, maintenance, appreciation) against total rent over the same horizon.
If you already know you're buying and just need the payment, Mortgage Calculator is the right tool. If you're still deciding, Rent vs Buy is the one that answers the actual question.
| Feature | Mortgage Calculator | Rent vs Buy Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Answers | Monthly mortgage payment | 5–30 year net cost of buying vs. renting |
| Inputs | Price, down payment, rate, term | All of the above + rent, appreciation, opportunity cost |
| Best stage | You've decided to buy | You haven't decided yet |
Start with Rent vs Buy if the decision is open. Move to Mortgage Calculator once you're pricing specific homes.
Yes — those are the main reasons owning costs more than the mortgage payment alone. Both are configurable inputs.