Renting or buying — which costs less?
There's no universal answer — it depends on how long you stay, what rent does, and how home values move. This calculator runs both paths side by side with your numbers: every dollar of rent out the door versus the true net cost of owning, after the equity you've built. Move the sliders and watch it update instantly.
Your numbers
Defaults reflect a typical Portland-metro situation — adjust anything to match yours.
If you keep renting
If you buy
Owning costs (per year)
The comparison
Rent vs. buy, head to head
Total cost of each path over 7 years — buying is shown net of the equity you'd own at the end.
Where the rent money goes
- Rent paid $0
- Equity built Rent builds your landlord's equity, not yours $0
- Total cost of renting $0
Where the buying money goes
- Down payment $0
- Mortgage payments $0
- Property taxes $0
- Insurance $0
- Maintenance $0
- Less: your equity −$0
- Net cost of buying Everything above, minus the equity you keep $0
Cumulative cost, year by year
Want your full numbers?
Get a no-pressure payment breakdown built around your actual situation — taxes, insurance, and loan options included. No obligation, just straight answers.
Chris Borg · (503) 481-1369 · chris.borg@edgehomefinance.com
This calculator is an educational estimate only — not a loan offer, rate quote, or financial advice. It assumes a fixed-rate loan, rent rising at a steady annual rate, home values changing at a steady appreciation rate, and taxes, insurance, and maintenance held at the annual estimates entered. It does not include closing costs, selling costs, mortgage insurance, HOA dues, tax effects, or investment returns on the down payment. Actual rates, values, and costs will vary and are subject to change. Talk with Chris for numbers based on your specific situation and a current rate quote.